The Right to Information (RTI) Club director Dr BP Maithani demanded a CBI inquiry into the scam of illegal mining activities which occurred in February 2014.
He expressed disappointment at increasing cases of illegal mining activities in the State. While interacting with media persons, Dr Maithani said that though, National Green Tribunal has imposed ban on mining activities but cases of illegal mining activities are increasing in the state.
Dr Maithani said that in February 2014, a scam worth Rs 22 crore in illegal mining was highlighted in mining cell of Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation.
In addition to this, on February 10, the Illegal Mining Prevention Vigilance Unit had conducted raids at Dharam Chowk gate in Doiwala and seized vehicle carrying illegal minerals, which were excavated from Song river. The team had also checked register, token booths at forest department post and found several irregularities there.
The team had submitted such information to Home Secretary. In place of conducting independent inquiry over this issue by the state government, the report of Illegal Mining Prevention Vigilance Unit was submitted to Uttarakhand Forest Development managing director for further action. Dr Maithani accused state government of putting hold the mining scam. In regards to this, Dr Maithani demanded thorough investigation of this case by state vigilance and CBI. Other present on the occasion were general secretary Amar Singh Suresh Singh Thapa and others.