A sharp conflict has erupted in the Bhairuchaubatta area of Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, over ongoing quarrying operations conducted dangerously close to a residential building. Fearing the collapse of their homestead, members of an affected family have launched a sit-in protest against the mining operator. The family alleges that the former leaseholder completely disregarded a binding written agreement and flouted statutory safety distance norms by digging just 15 meters away from their residence.
Broken Settlement Terms and the Rejected Cash Offer
The protest is being led by Mangal Kumar, Daya Prakash (both sons of Virendra Prasad), along with Hema Devi and Renuka Devi. Explaining their ordeal, Hema Devi stated that a formal written agreement was executed in June, under which the leaseholder pledged to construct a replacement house for the family. However, despite several months having elapsed since the deal was signed, no construction activity has commenced at the site.
Hema Devi emphasized that the family has outright rejected an alternative monetary settlement offer of 30 lakh rupees. Their sole demand remains the construction of a fully built, safe residential house as explicitly committed to in the written pact.
Heavy Rains and Quarrying 15 Meters Away Endanger 9 Lives
Detailing the grave hazards faced by the household, Daya Prakash pointed out that their existing concrete home stands merely 15 meters from the edge of the active excavation zone. A total of nine family members currently reside in the structure. Amid heavy monsoon downpours across the region, residing next to an active quarry has created constant fear and anxiety for the entire household. The danger of land erosion and structural collapse intensifies significantly whenever it rains.
Although the two brothers collectively own approximately five nali of land in the area, the terrain lacks suitable, safe terrain where a new house could be securely built independently. Consequently, the family requested the opposite party to provide a replacement dwelling. The distressed family expressed deep uncertainty, questioning where they should take their children and family members if safe accommodation is denied.
Leaseholder Disputes Contract as Administration Urged to Intervene
While the grieving family insists on the enforcement of the June accord, the former leaseholder has rejected their claims, declaring the written agreement to be entirely false and invalid. This counter-accusation has escalated the standoff into a major local controversy in Bhairuchaubatta.
Faced with this impasse, the family has appealed to the district administration for an impartial official inquiry. They underscored that this dispute is not merely about real estate or land boundaries, but directly involves the physical safety and future of nine individuals. They have urged authorities to swiftly investigate the validity of the contract and arrange secure shelter for the household.
Mining Official Cites Rule Violations and Past Sanctions
Addressing the matter, District Mining Officer Nazia Hasan confirmed that the leaseholder had previously given assurances regarding the relocation of the affected house, a commitment that remained unfulfilled.
Under established mining regulations, quarrying activities are strictly forbidden within a 50-meter radius of any residential dwelling. Nazia Hasan highlighted that action had previously been taken against the leaseholder for ignoring both departmental safety rules and High Court mandates. Despite earlier penalties, the leaseholder resumed unpermitted mining, directly exposing the residential building to structural risks.
