Army: No jurisdiction over illegal mining cases

Nainital

The Uttarakhand High Court was informed that while the 27 Infantry Battalion, ECO, Garhwal Rifles supports environmental and water conservation efforts, it lacks the legal authority to act against illegal mining along the Ganga. This clarification was submitted by the battalion’s legal cell before a division bench of Justice Ravindra Maithani and Justice Pankaj Purohit on June 18.

The court is hearing a PIL filed by Matri Sadan and others, alleging illegal mining between Raiwala and Bhogpur is damaging the Ganga. In an earlier hearing, the court had asked if the battalion could assist in stopping the mining. Captain Raghav had promised to consult superiors and respond.

On Wednesday, the court was told that taking action against illegal mining falls outside the battalion’s jurisdiction. However, a senior officer is expected to make a detailed presentation during the next hearing on June 23.

The petitioners have requested a complete ban on the mining, stating it violates regulations and threatens the river's existence. They also noted that despite repeated instructions from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to halt mining in the area, it continues unchecked.