Abstract

Mining for the extraction of the rich mineral resources of the Himalaya region has been going on since long. In view of the fact that Himalayas are rich in mineral resources and the fact that exploitation of these minerals bring revenue to the otherwise poor hill states, there has been continuous pressure from industrial sector of the country for these minerals. Limestone, phosphorite, gypsum, magnesite and coal especially in Jammu and Kashmir have been exploited most. The single most important mineral which has been extensively mined in all regions of Himalaya is limestone. Next to limestone in order of importance, number of lease and production is phosphorite. In Uttar Pradesh hills, limestone mining started much earlier but has now come down considerably.

Out of 105 mines (till 1985) 30 mines are in Tehri Garhwal, 2 in Pauri Garhwal and 72 in Dehra Dun district covering an area of 447.23, 125.15 and 6147.43 ha. respectively. Dehra Dun – Mussoorie region is rich in lime stone, phosphate and dolomite. Limestone deposits of these areas are regarded to be among the best grade in the country and hence, the cause of heavy extraction in the past. Initially limestone mining started over small lease area and expanded over large leases in subsequent years. The leased area varied from a small as 1 ha. to a large as 97 ha. Unscientific mining without corresponding rehabilitation of these mined areas has led to severe criticism from public and consequently led to the intervention of Supreme Court, which had to constitute technical committees in 1984 and 1985 to investigate and assess damage to environment. An effective restoration of the mined area through biological means and involving some agricultural crops to conserve the ecological, environmental and social values of the ecosystem has been discussed in the paper.

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