Jama Masjid in Rajmahal. Picture by Ratan Roy

Rajmahal, Jan. 23: Extensive mining is posing a serious threat to historical monuments and places of religious importance in Sahebganj.

The Rajmahal sub-division of the district is famous for a cluster of heritage structures, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Most of these monuments belong to the medieval period and are a big draw for both tourists and historians. Scholars from abroad also frequent Rajmahal to study the monuments. However, extensive mining is making the top soil loose raising fears of land subsidence.

“Rajmahal, once the capital of united Bengal, is probably the most happening place in Bihar and Jharkhand for historians. There is immense scope of excavation and study on medieval history. If the government fails to stop mining in this area, land subsidence may cause the structures to collapse,” said Yogendra Prasad Roy, a professor of history at Sahebganj College.

Rajmahal is known for the Jama Masjid and Baradari. “The ASI is spending crores to preserve this structures, but what is the point in wasting taxpayers’ money if the government cannot rein in industrialists who mine profits but forget to fill up the pits after their interests are served,” Roy said.

Mining of silica is also posing a threat to Kanhaiya Sthan, which attracts pilgrims from across the globe. “In March every year, Iskcon members from the US, the UK and Canada come to Kanhaiya Sthan to celebrate Holi,” said Ravi Shanker, a member of Iskcon.

“But the temple pillars have developed cracks. They might come crumbling any time. We have been requesting the authorities to ban mining in the area, but in vain. All we can do is carry out repairing work every now and then, keeping our mouths shut to avoid the wrath of influential mine owners,” said another Iskcon official requesting anonymity.

Deputy commissioner, Sahebganj, K. Ravi Kumar admitted that mining was taking a toll on historical monuments. He, however, expressed helplessness saying that the silica and china clay mines were not under his jurisdiction. Kumar claimed he had forwarded a complaint to the state mining secretary.

Former mines secretary K.K. Khandelwal expressed serious concern over the problem, but said: “I had no information about mines posing a threat to historical monuments. It is a matter of concern and I look into the matter.”

Khandelwal is believed to have directed the district mining officer to furnish all such complaints in consultation with the deputy commissioner so that “appropriate action can be taken against owners who do not follow all the mining guidelines”.