DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand High Court summoned Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in response to a PIL filed by a social activist in Udham Singh Nagar who submitted photographs depicting

The mining mafia illegally “carved out a 7km track through the core forest area after chopping nearly 1,000 trees,” according to the report.

During the hearing, the Uttarakhand geology and mining department told the court that “the state has not provided the forest range officers with an armed police force, and the department lacks adequate manpower.”

It went on to say that “82 challans were issued against illegal miners, and a fine of Rs 4.2 crore was imposed, of which Rs 3.1 crore was recovered.” In its order issued on Thursday, the HC stated: “Mere imposition of fines and seizure

The imposition of fines and the seizure of vehicles and dumpers does not explain the forest range officers’/officials’ complete failure to perform their duties. It is shocking to see the mining mafia carrying out their completely illegal activity in broad daylight with impunity.”

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The court went on to say, “It appears to us that officers of the forest department may be working hand in hand with the mining mafia.” The HC then ordered Ramnagar DFO to appear in person at the next hearing on April 6. It also directed the state secretary of environment and forest to “personally investigate the allegations and file a response within two weeks.”