New Delhi/Shimla, Nov 24: Unscientific riverbed mining across Himachal Pradesh is inflicting long-term environmental harm, according to warnings issued by the Supreme Court and environmental groups, who say the state risks catastrophic loss if enforcement remains weak. Officials have been told repeatedly that illegal extraction from river channels is damaging land, endangering river ecosystems and worsening climate impacts.
Authorities acknowledge a ban on mining in all major rivers, yet large-scale excavation continues across districts such as Kangra, Una, Solan and Kullu. Activists say the use of heavy earthmovers has intensified the problem, stripping riverbeds faster than nature can restore them. The practice has coincided with deadly flash floods and landslides throughout the Himalayan region in the past three years.
The Supreme Court had earlier remarked that the environmental situation in Himachal had deteriorated sharply, warning that the state could “vanish in thin air” without intervention. The Bench said, “Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of the environment and the ecology,” urging both the state government and the Centre to reassess their priorities.
Environmental scientists say uncontrolled mining has undermined riverbanks and loosened land masses that are then pushed downstream during monsoon surges, worsening erosion and damaging riparian habitats. The ecological disruption has also placed native flora and fauna at risk.
Experts argue that the river valleys embody Himachal’s social, religious and cultural identity and support local economies through agriculture and pilgrimage. They believe governance failures and an indifferent approach to illegal operators have allowed the situation to escalate.
Ralhan and Sharma, members of the Kangra-based People’s Voice organisation, said poor data and lack of scientific mapping have stalled policy decisions. “The Himalayas and lower hills are a treasure house of minerals that people have been exploiting since time immemorial,” they said, noting that the absence of scientific study is limiting public awareness and official action.
