Himachal Pradesh bans mining in three rivers

In an attempt to preserve ecological balance in the region,the government of Himachal Pradesh has banned mining of sand and stones in three major rivers of the state. The state's Irrigation and Public Health Minister Ravinder Ravi at Dharamsala disclosed this on Sunday. The rivers where the mining bas been banned are Seer in Bilaspur district and Neugal and Chakki in Kangra valley. However some illegal crushing units are still operating on the riverbeds despite the embargo imposed by the government. At this, the government has planned to take initiate severe action against those involved in illegal mining.