Plunder of the hills is a writ large in the Bhoot Madi area of Sangrah in Sirmaur district. Blasts echoed in the valley.
Mining mafia of Sangrah are ruling roost under the state mining department and pollution board which have given them a free run.
The roars of blasting in the Bhoot Madi mining area under the Barag Panchayat, has led to the blockage of natural water outlets posing high risk of respiratory diseases and other health hazards.
Local residents fear that the diversion of water due to these blockages could pose a serious threat to the villages situated in low-lying areas.
Videos obtained from the villagers highlight the extent of the damage caused by the blasting.
During a recent visit to Sangrah, the gravity of the situation was evident, with the local population expressing growing concerns about the environmental impact of illegal mining activities in the region.
Maj Gen Atul Kaushik said the two-day padyatra from Haripur Dhar to Nahan was conducted to raise awareness on several crucial issues, including the degradation of the environment due to illegal mining, honoring the martyrs, showing respect for women, and promoting an anti-drug campaign.
Kaushik demanded that the government should out stop to the illegal mining and blasting that has been wreaking havoc in the region disturbing ecosystem.
