Illegal mining in Rajaji alleged PFA

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Illegal mining from the forest reserve area is being continuously lifted by the poachers from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) and Shyampur forest range alleged a city based non- profit organization, People for Animals. They complained to the Chief Forest conservator to conduct a probe in the matter and to check illegal practice. They have also demanded to take action against the officials under whose nose the activities are being carried out.

In a letter addressed to the chief conservator of forests, Aditya Sharma of Peoples for Animals organization had said that illegally tons of mud has been lifted from Shyampur range of Haridwar forest division to make a bridge which is under construction and the broadening work of the road.

Talking to the media, Aditya Sharma said, “The widening work of road which traverses through Roshanabad to Biharigarh passing through Anneki village is underway. For the same, the range officer of the area connived with mafia people to engage JCB machines for removing the mud by uprooting the trees from the forest reserve.” In Motichur region as well of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, in Majra beat of the forest near Basanti Mata Mandir in Sainik colony, lot of mud was lifted with JCB machines, added Aditya. This has disturbed the biodiversity of the region since many trees are on the verge of getting wilted.