Have evidence against illegal mining in state

After a controversy erupted over former chief minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Trivendra Singh Rawat's allegations of illegal mining being rampant in the state, a statement directed against his own party-led state government, the Haridwar MP said on Monday that he made the statement with responsibility and has evidence to prove it.

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DEHRADUN:

In conversation with HT, Rawat said, "I made the statement with responsibility. I didn't speak at nook or corner, but in Lok Sabha, and in accordance with rules. I have evidence to prove that. I am getting positive response on social media for raising the issue, except for a few planted comments."

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on March 20, Rawat said, "Illegal mining trucks are being brazenly operated at night in the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar. This issue not just poses a threat to law and the environment, but public safety as well. Despite directives from the state government and administration, mining mafias continue to operate unchecked. These trucks are overloaded, and transport minerals without any valid permits. As a result, the state's roads, bridges and infrastructures are suffering extensive damage, making public commuting increasingly perilous."

However, the state government released a video of the mining secretary, Brijesh Kumar Sant, on the same evening and dismissed the allegations.