By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Vikasnagar (Dehradun), 3 Dec: In Vikasnagar, three persons engaged in illegal mining were rescued last night by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after their tractor-trolley became stranded in the swollen Yamuna river near Katapathar. The trio had entered the river to carry out unauthorised mining operations but failed to anticipate the periodic release of water from the Juddo Dam upstream. Despite sirens sounding as a warning during the water release, the sudden surge caused the tractor-trolley to get stuck mid-stream, placing the lives of these persons at significant risk.
The SDRF Dakpathar post received an alert through the Central Control Room (CCR) in Dehradun regarding the situation. Acting swiftly, the team was dispatched to the location under the leadership of Additional Sub-Inspector Suresh Tomar. Upon arrival, the rescuers found all three individuals trapped on the tractor-trolley amid the river’s strong currents. The operation took considerable effort, but ultimately, all were rescued unharmed.
The rescued miners have been identified as Kedar, aged 35, from Kothi Bhondi; Manish, 23, from Bausan; and Anil, 18, also from Bausan. This latest incident highlights the continuing problem of rampant illegal mining activities in Uttarakhand, including in the state capital, Dehradun. Despite the government claims that stricter enforcement measures have curbed such unlawful practices, this event underlines ongoing challenges in effectively controlling illegal mining and protecting the river ecosystems.
