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Bureau Prayagraj. Uttarakhand High Court directed to immediately ban the use of heavy machines during mining operations in the Ramganga-Saryu river confluence area. The court asked the administration to ensure that heavy machines are not used by any of the leaseholders in the concerned mining areas.

The division bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Siddharth Sah was hearing a PIL filed by a resident of Pithoragarh. The petition alleged that mining lease holders were using heavy machines like Poklane and JCB against the rules.

The state government told the court that use of heavy machinery in mining operations is not permitted and can be allowed only in limited circumstances, such as dredging, subject to prescribed conditions. The government also assured that action will be taken against those who violate the rules.

Taking the State’s assurance on record, the High Court directed the District Magistrate of Pithoragarh to ensure that no mining lease holder uses heavy machines for mining purposes.

The court also said that the District Magistrate himself or through an officer not below the rank of Tehsildar should conduct regular surprise inspections so that the rules are followed. With these directions the court disposed of the petition.