HC seeks report on mining in Kutch

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat HC on Thursday asked the Kutch district collector to submit a report on Friday with regard to the situation near Jadava village of Lakhpat block due to alleged illegal mining of limestone by Sanghi Industries Ltd. The HC asked for the report on an urgent basis after it was not satisfied with the state government's affidavit.
This happened during the hearing of a PIL was filed by one Haresh Vyas taking exception to the state's inaction after the lapse of the lease for mining on a plot near Jadava village.The petitioner claimed that the mining lease with the cement company ended in March, but the mining continued unabated.
The PIL alleged that the authorities including the geology department and the district collector submitted reports highlighting the illegalities by continuing mining though the lease agreement had expired. The government has still not taken possession of the land. The petitioner complained that due to the mining, fertile agricultural land in nearby areas and the chinkara sanctuary adjacent to the mining field are affected. Vyas also submitted that in 2013, royalty passes were stopped and the company was slapped with a fine of Rs 10.96 crore but no further action was taken in this regard too.