By Our Staff Reporter
Nainital, 22 May: The Uttarakhand High Court today heard a petition regarding security concerns raised by a resident of Sultanpur Patti, Bajpur, Udham Singh Nagar. A division bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Ashish Naithani directed SSP Udham Singh Nagar to assess any threats to the petitioner’s life and property. It also directed that, in case necessary, security arrangements should be made following an investigation. The petitioner has been advised to formally submit an application to the SSP in this regard.
Earlier, the court had instructed SSP Udham Singh Nagar to issue a wireless message to SHOs in areas affected by illegal mining. The SHOs concerned were directed to take action by seizing machinery involved in mining operations and registering cases under relevant sections of the BNS. Following the police intervention, individuals involved in illegal mining allegedly issued death threats to the petitioner, even attacking him. Consequently, he and his family have sought security measures.
According to the petition, illegal mining is allegedly being carried out in the Kosi River in Bajpur, Udham Singh Nagar, without proper leasing. The mining activities involve diverting water using heavy pumps, affecting the river’s water level and surrounding agricultural land. The petitioner claims that the region is designated as an agricultural zone, making such operations unlawful. Additionally, he also highlighted concerns about the impact on wildlife and aquatic species, calling for a complete ban on illegal mining in the area.
