Uttarakhand High Court on Unregulated Soapstone Mining

The Uttarakhand High Court has raised concerns over unregulated soapstone mining in Bageshwar district. A news article had highlighted the risks such mining poses to local communities, prompting the court to investigate the matter.

Key Findings

• The court’s investigation revealed alarming findings regarding the environmental and cultural impacts of soapstone mining in Bageshwar.
• Soapstone, a metamorphic rock primarily composed of talc, is significantly mined in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, with the latter holding 25% of India's reserves.

Environmental Concerns

• Land subsidence, intensified by mining activities, is a pressing issue in Uttarakhand, with Bageshwar being notably vulnerable.
• The lack of structural stability in mined slopes has increased landslide risks, threatening local settlements.
• Absence of green belts, retaining walls, and safety protocols exacerbates erosion and pollution.

Cultural Concerns

• Traditional structures like Kumaoni Bakhli are damaged due to subsidence, undermining their historical resilience.
• Cultural sites such as the Kalika Temple are also affected, with visible structural damage due to land shifts.

Administrative Complicity

• The report criticizes the administrative bodies for their role in the mining issues, highlighting undefined policies on semi-mechanised mining.
• Local officials allegedly suppressed community voices and facilitated illegal mining practices.

The court will continue deliberations on this matter with the next hearing scheduled.