📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Nichalp
Agriculture
South Haryana villagers demand mining ban as hills vanish and wells dry up
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 09:16 AM
👁 19
Rural communities in South Haryana have called for an immediate ban on mining, citing the destruction of hills and the drying up of wells.
Villagers from several villages in South Haryana gathered this week to demand a complete halt to mining activities in the region. They allege that extensive quarrying has led to the flattening of local hills, altering the natural landscape and causing soil erosion.
According to the protesters, the loss of hillocks has disrupted groundwater recharge, resulting in a noticeable decline in water levels of community wells. Residents report that many wells that once supplied water for drinking and irrigation are now dry or yield significantly reduced quantities.
The community leaders have submitted a petition to the state government, urging authorities to impose an immediate ban on mining until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted. They stress that the livelihoods of farmers and the ecological balance of the area depend on restoring the natural terrain and reviving water sources.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the petition, though no concrete action has been announced yet. The protest underscores growing tensions between mining interests and rural populations in Haryana.
The movement has drawn attention from environmental NGOs, which have called for stricter regulation of mining operations across the state to prevent further degradation of fragile ecosystems.
According to the protesters, the loss of hillocks has disrupted groundwater recharge, resulting in a noticeable decline in water levels of community wells. Residents report that many wells that once supplied water for drinking and irrigation are now dry or yield significantly reduced quantities.
The community leaders have submitted a petition to the state government, urging authorities to impose an immediate ban on mining until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted. They stress that the livelihoods of farmers and the ecological balance of the area depend on restoring the natural terrain and reviving water sources.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the petition, though no concrete action has been announced yet. The protest underscores growing tensions between mining interests and rural populations in Haryana.
The movement has drawn attention from environmental NGOs, which have called for stricter regulation of mining operations across the state to prevent further degradation of fragile ecosystems.