Photos, GPS data indicate Uttarakhand HC’s ban on soapstone mining fell on deaf ears

The HC said the report was “not only alarming but also shocking”. On Thursday, the Amicus Curiae submitted material, including photographs reflecting GPS coordinates. It said despite the court’s order prohibiting mining, “certain anti-social elements have proceeded to violate the orders… and have continued the mining activity”.

The order said they also produced the transit pass forms issued by the Directorate, Geology and Mining Department, showing that it was issued on January 6 at 7.39 pm. The photographs indicated that illegal mining was carried out on the intervening night and the next day, January 7.

Stating that though the Director issued orders to his subordinate officers in this regard, mining appears to have continued, the court said, “We direct Chandra Shekhar Godke, Superintendent of Police, Bageshwar, to immediately instruct the Station House Officers under his command and jurisdiction and also depute the personnel required to inspect the mines and wherever machinery is found… shall be seized, and an inventory of all stock of material shall be drawn up and shall be reported to this court by tomorrow (Friday).”

The court remarked that it was constrained to assign the task to the police because the mining department officials “did not appear inspired to act on the court’s orders”.

Earlier, following the perusal of the report, the court reprimanded officers and said, “The report and the photographs clearly demonstrate complete lawlessness by the miners and are proof of local administration turning a blind eye to the transgression. Further, the report and the photographs, prima facie, demonstrate that further mining operations, which have already damaged dwelling houses, are likely to result in landslides and definite loss of lives.”