Kairana Administration Probes Alleged Yamuna Flow Disruption Over Mining

The administration has begun an inquiry into allegations that the natural flow of the Yamuna was being disturbed for mining in the Mandawar area of Kairana. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shivaji Yadav reached Mandawar with a team and inspected the site to assess the situation.

The SDM claimed that no mining activity was found at the spot during the inspection. He said action would be taken if mining was found to have been carried out in violation of the rules.

The allegations relate to preparations for mining in the middle of the Yamuna’s water channel in the Mandawar village area. Complaints had surfaced that Poclain machines were being brought into the river channel and that preparations for mining were being made on a war footing.

Farmers alleged that people linked to the mining lease had lowered the machines into the Yamuna’s water channel. According to the farmers, this was an attempt to interfere with and affect the river’s natural flow.

Videos showing the machines operating in the middle of the Yamuna’s water channel were also circulated by the farmers. They had demanded action from the administration in the matter.

The administration received information related to the complaint, the allegations and the viral videos. After taking cognisance of the matter, SDM Shivaji Yadav reached Mandawar with his team and conducted an inspection at the site.

Following the inspection, the SDM claimed that no mining was found taking place at the spot. He said that if mining had been carried out anywhere in violation of the rules, action would be taken according to the provisions.

Farmers, however, alleged that the machines were removed from the Yamuna’s water channel before the administrative team reached Mandawar. They said this was the reason the machines were not found operating when the inspection team arrived at the site.

The allegation has also led to discussion among the farmers about how information regarding the administration’s inspection reached the machine operators in advance. They questioned who had leaked the information before the team reached the area.

The administration’s inspection followed the complaints and videos concerning the alleged mining preparations. While the SDM said no mining activity was found during the inspection, the farmers continued to raise questions over the removal of the machines before the team’s arrival and demanded action if rules had been violated.