The Uttarakhand High Court on Monday took serious note of the problems being caused by soapstone (locally known as khaira) mining in several villages of Bageshwar district. During a hearing related to cracks that have appeared in houses and other structures due to mining activities, the court said that all vehicles involved in mining operations must be fitted with GPS systems for proper monitoring.

The case was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G. Narendra and Justice Subhash Upadhyay. The matter has arisen from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over damage to homes and land caused by digging for soapstone. After hearing the arguments, the court posted the matter for further hearing the next day.

During the proceedings, the High Court observed that GPS devices in mining vehicles would help collect accurate data and prevent irregularities in mineral transportation. The bench also directed that these vehicles should be connected to the Ramanna Portal, an online system used to track mining and transport-related data. This integration would allow authorities to closely monitor the movement of vehicles carrying minerals.

Earlier, the Bageshwar District Mining Officer had submitted a report to the court highlighting serious irregularities in the transportation of soapstone. The report pointed out that records showed mining vehicles covering a distance of around 55 kilometres in just 12 to 18 hours, which the court noted was practically impossible. This raised concerns about false reporting and possible illegal mining activities.

The High Court directed the state government to strictly implement the existing mining rules within one week and ensure that all guidelines are followed properly. The court made it clear that compliance is mandatory and that the authorities will be held accountable.

The issue came to light after residents of Kanda tehsil in Bageshwar district wrote a letter to the Chief Justice, complaining about the damage caused by illegal soapstone mining. They claimed that mining activities had severely affected their agricultural land, damaged houses, and destroyed water pipelines. According to the residents, life in the villages has become extremely difficult due to these activities.

The villagers further stated that many financially stable families were forced to move out and build homes in cities like Haldwani, while poorer families were left behind in unsafe and damaged villages. They also said that their main sources of income and livelihood were under serious threat because of uncontrolled mining.

The residents claimed they had submitted several complaints and representations to government officials in the past, but no action was taken. With no solution in sight, they finally approached the High Court for relief. The court’s intervention has given hope to the affected villagers, who are now expecting strict action against illegal mining and better protection of their homes and livelihoods.