HC stays gypsum mining in 7 villages

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court has ordered an immediate stay on the issuance of fresh gypsum mining permits in seven villages of Pachpadra tehsil in Balotra district, where mining was allegedly being carried out under the guise of agricultural land improvement.The stay order applies to the villages of Vajawas, Bhimarlai, Sinli Jagir, Rikharlai, Mekarna, Gol and Khar Ki Dhani. The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Nupur Bhati Thursday while hearing a PIL filed by the administrators and sarpanches of gram panchayats Sinli Jagir and Vajawas, residents Shankarram and Sumer Lal Sain. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 10.According to the petitioners, an inquiry report issued on April 24, by Dharamendra Lohar, additional director (Vigilance), mines and geology department, Udaipur, acknowledged serious irregularities in gypsum excavation."During spot inspections at Bhimarlai, Vajawas and Khar Ki Dhani, authorities reportedly examined 13 gypsum permit areas and found mining being conducted beyond the legally permissible depth of 3m from the surface. In certain locations, excavation was allegedly found up to 6m deep," said a petitioner.