Illegal mining in Mussoorie leads to collapse of NH-707A stretch

By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 13 Feb: Illegal mining near the Valmiki Temple on National Highway 707A in Mussoorie has shaken the administrative system here. A large portion of the national highway was damaged due to the mining mafia’s violation of regulations, forcing the road to be completely closed to traffic. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the administration has taken a tough stand and ordered the filing of an FIR against the individuals involved and recovery of the road construction costs.On Friday, a joint team of the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, Mussoorie Municipal Corporation, Mining Department, National Highway Authority, and Mussoorie Police, led by SDM, Mussoorie, Rahul Anand, inspected the site. The inspection clearly revealed that the land mafia had carried out large-scale mining without permission, weakening the foundation of the national highway and causing a portion of the road to collapse.The investigation also revealed that the development authority had approved a residential map for the plot in question, but plotting and construction work was being carried out contrary to the approved map. The SDM directed the authority to take immediate action under Section 15/9 and re-inspect the approved maps and cancel any construction found to be in violation of the rules.SDM Rahul Anand stated that this route is extremely important for the Uttarkashi and Chardham Yatra. If there had been traffic on the route at the time of the incident, a major accident could have occurred. He stated that such illegal mining for personal gain will not be tolerated under any circumstances.The Mining Department has been instructed to take strict punitive action against those mining without permission. Meanwhile, the Mussoorie Police have been directed to file an FIR against the individuals involved for damaging the National Highway and causing inconvenience to the public. The administration has also clarified that the entire cost of road repair and reconstruction will be recovered from the culprits.The SDM stated categorically that illegal construction and mining will not be tolerated in Mussoorie under any circumstances. All departments have been instructed to take immediate action if any illegal activity is discovered in the future. In case of negligence, the officials concerned will also be held accountable.

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