Who let it happen? Illegal mining in Lko’s Wellness City area confirmed but key details still under wraps
Who Let It Happen? Illegal Mining in Lko’s Wellness City Area Confirmed
Who let it happen Illegal mining - Who let it happen? The illegal mining scandal in Lucknow’s Wellness City area has taken a significant turn, with the district administration confirming the extraction of approximately 11,025 cubic metres of soil from the site. This revelation has sparked questions about the accountability of officials, as the activity was conducted on irrigation department land without prior authorization. While authorities now aim to trace the culprits, concerns remain about the lack of transparency and oversight that allowed such large-scale mining to occur unnoticed.
Police and Administrative Investigations Uncover Key Findings
Following the completion of the district-level inquiry, the police have intensified their probe into the incident. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has also expressed interest in launching its own review to assess the scale of the unauthorized excavation. According to sources, the activity took place in Deoria village, raising questions about the coordination between departments responsible for land use and resource management.
"The inquiry confirmed that illegal mining occurred on irrigation department land. Around 11,025 cubic metres of soil were removed, likely for financial gain. The police will now trace those involved, and the mining department will take appropriate action," stated Additional District Magistrate (City-East) Mahendra Pal Singh, who oversaw the investigation.
The irrigation department has already filed a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified individuals, following the detection of unauthorized excavation on gata numbers 676 and 677 in Deoria village. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Chinhat police station, which is now tasked with investigating the matter further. Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of those implicated, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty.
Monitoring Failures and Systemic Gaps in Oversight
Despite the proximity of an irrigation department office just a kilometre away from the excavation site, the activity continued unchecked for multiple days. This has led to accusations of negligence, as heavy machinery and dumpers operated without intervention. The mining department, which regulates excavation in the state capital, is under scrutiny for its failure to enforce regulations effectively.
The case also reveals a potential link between the illegal mining and LDA infrastructure projects, such as the Green Corridor and internal roads. Soil allegedly transported to these sites could undermine the project’s environmental goals and structural plans. Hindustan Times investigations found that the excavation was not only unauthorized but may have been strategically directed to support the Wellness City development, raising eyebrows about possible collusion among departments.
Authorities emphasize that mining operations require formal approval, yet the scale of this unauthorized extraction suggests a breakdown in enforcement. The LDA Secretary, Vivek Srivastava, who accompanied officials during initial inspections, has yet to comment on the matter despite repeated requests from the media. This silence has fueled speculation about the extent of internal oversight failures within the organization.