Himachal bans mining till Sept: Harsh Vardhan Chauhan

Yog Raj Sharma
July 9, 2026, 17:01
2 mins

Mining Ban to Continue Until September, Bulk Drug Park Work Progresses: Minister

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Shimla, July 9

Himachal Pradesh Industries Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said the state government has adopted a strict approach against illegal mining along the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border and that all mining activities remain completely banned till September due to the monsoon season. The minister said the government is taking continuous action against illegal mining and fixing accountability wherever complaints are received. He stated that strict action would continue against those found violating the mining ban.

Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said the state government is committed to curbing illegal mining and ensuring that all departments concerned discharge their responsibilities effectively. Speaking about the Bulk Drug Park project, the minister said work is progressing rapidly, with around 15 to 20 percent of the project completed so far. He said a few tendering processes are still pending and would be finalised shortly.

He added that nearly 75 percent of the electricity-related work and around 95 percent of the water supply infrastructure have already been completed. Funds have also been released to the Public Works Department for the construction of a double-lane road connecting the project site. Commenting on the alleged theft of donation offerings at the Ram Temple, Chauhan criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying the temple is a matter of faith for millions of Hindus and not the property of any political party.

He said the construction of the Ram Temple is a matter of pride for the entire country, but any irregularity or theft in the name of faith cannot be accepted. He added that transparency and accountability must be ensured in matters connected with public faith.

The minister alleged that the BJP had sought votes in the name of Lord Ram and said the party had no exclusive claim over the deity. He said the Ram Temple was not the BJP’s trademark and that the Congress had every right to raise questions over the alleged donation theft.