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Justice for Neugal: Himachal High Court Orders Action Against Mining Nexus
Shimla, Updated At : 16:44 PM Aug 23, 2025 IST
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed deep concern over large-scale, unscientific illegal mining in the Neugal River. Acting on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken against indiscriminate mining activities in the river.
According to records presented before the court, in 2024–25 only five individuals were fined and just one case was registered against violators. The court has also sought a status report on the appointment and functioning of the District Mining Officer in Kangra, under whose jurisdiction reports of widespread violations have surfaced. The order follows a report submitted by a high-level committee constituted by the court, which recently conducted a spot inspection of the Neugal.
Irregular mining has caused serious ecological damage, turning the Neugal—a vital drinking water source for Lower Palampur—into a hotspot of environmental degradation and water contamination. Despite public protests, the mining mafia continues its operations unabated, using heavy machinery such as JCBs and Poklen excavators to dig pits as deep as four meters in the riverbed.
In Palampur and Jaisinghpur, illegal mining has become a lucrative enterprise, allegedly thriving due to the inaction of local authorities, police, and mining officials. Residents argue that the Chief Minister’s state-wide directive to curb illegal mining is being blatantly ignored in this region.
Exacerbating the crisis, several stone crushers near tributaries of the Beas in Kangra continue to operate in open violation of a 2021 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Environmental Protection Act, 1986, prohibits setting up crushers within 100 meters of water bodies. Yet, units in Jaisinghpur and Thural remain operational, worsening water pollution.
Local resistance has been met with intimidation and violence. In a shocking incident last year, Satpal, the Panchayat President of Thural who opposed mining activities, was brutally attacked by the mafia. Authorities acted against the perpetrators only after the media highlighted the case.
The unchecked exploitation of the Neugal River now threatens both the fragile local ecology and the drinking water security of thousands of residents. Strict enforcement of environmental laws and urgent intervention are essential to prevent this looming ecological and public health disaster.
