High Court Slams Jal Shakti, Shuts Illegal Mining Tunnel
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on July 10, 2025, ordered the immediate closure of an illegal tunnel beneath the Shahnehar canal. This passage, the court found, was being brazenly exploited by the mining mafia for transporting illegally extracted minerals.
The court expressed strong displeasure at the lackadaisical response from the Jal Shakti Department. It directly attributed the continued existence of the tunnel to departmental negligence.
Consequently, the High Court ordered the transfer of the Executive Engineer responsible for the area. This action underscores the seriousness with which the court views the matter.
Local residents had repeatedly raised concerns about the illegal tunnel’s reconstruction, despite their efforts to stop it. The court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability in regulating mining activities in the state. This decision sends a clear message to those involved in illegal mining operations and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting Himachal Pradesh’s natural resources. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in combating illegal mining and the crucial role of effective governance in preserving the environment.
