Swami Shivanand of Haridwar’s of Matri Sadan Ashram, who was on a fast-unto-death against illegal mining in Haridwar between March 31 and April 21, restarted the fast after illegal mining didn’t stop in Haridwar.
On April 15, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered that “no illegal, unauthorised, unscientific mining” should carry on in Haridwar “without taking environmental clearance.”
However, mining continues in Haridwar despite the NGT order, Swami Dayanand of the Matri Sadan Ashram said.
On April 21 the Haridwar District Magistrate H C Semwal gave orders that illegal mining must stop in Haridwar, but, it started again within three days of the order. Another order was issued on May 18 to stop the illegal mining, but, on May 19 Mr. Semwal issued orders to start mining under the pretence of protection from possible flash floods due to raised river bed, Swami Dayanand said.
Currently mining is going on in areas in Haridwar including Bishanpur, Ajeetpur, Kundi, and Tanda Bhagmal areas, he said.
Swami Nigmanand of Matri Sadan Ashram succumbed to an alleged organophosphate poisoning on June 13, 2011 after 72 days of fast-unto-death against illegal mining.
