Uttarakhand HC seeks govt reply on damaged bridges
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand high court (HC) has ordered the state government to halt mining projects and file an affidavit within four weeks regarding extensive damage to bridges spanning the Malan, Sukhro, and Kho rivers. These allegedly occurred as a result of illegal mining operations. In addition, the court directed the government to “develop a comprehensive plan to address the impaired bridges.”
Akanksha Aswal, a resident of Pauri Garhwal district, had filed a petition describing how incessant rains in the Himalayan foothills caused river swelling and weakened the foundations of the Malan bridge in Kotdwar due to illegal mining in the riverbed, resulting in the bridge’s collapse.
She mentioned the difficulties that locals face, saying, “Due to the deterioration of the Malan river bridge, Kotdwar now lacks road connectivity with neighboring cities. This specific bridge, built in 2010 at a cost of Rs 25.35 crore, was damaged only 13 years after it was completed.”
During court proceedings, it was revealed that illegal mining operations had resumed shortly after the Malan river bridge collapse. The petitioner requested that the court “take stringent action against both individuals and officials responsible for illegal mining activities.” The petitioner also asked the court to order the government to rebuild damaged bridges as soon as possible.
The case’s next hearing has been rescheduled for November 9.