Uttarakhand High Court Directs Stoppage Of Using Heavy Machinery To Mine In Ramganga-Saryu River Area

A Division Bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Siddhartha Sah was hearing a public interest litigation filed by a resident of Pithoragarh alleging that leaseholders were using heavy machines such as Poclain and JCB for mining, in violation of Rule 29(17) of the Uttarakhand Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules, 2001.

The State, through its Chief Standing Counsel, submitted that the use of heavy machinery is not permitted for mining and is allowed only in limited cases, such as dredging, subject to conditions. It was further assured that authorities would take action against violators and ensure compliance with the rules and previous court directions.

Taking note of the State's submission, the Court directed the District Magistrate, Pithoragarh, to ensure that no mining leaseholder uses heavy machinery for mining purposes. The Court further directed that surprise inspections be conducted regularly, either by the District Magistrate or by an officer not below the rank of Tehsildar.

Importantly, the Court issued a clear direction to stop the use of heavy machinery in the concerned mining areas forthwith.

Accordingly, the writ petition was disposed of with these directions.

Case Title: Rohit Mehara vs. State of Uttarakhand [WPPIL No. 58 of 2026]