#Thread: History of #DoonValley
Limestone quarrying was widely prevalent in Valley during the 80s. In order to give an economic push, it was the then Govt of UP that promoted limestone quarrying in the pristine hills of #Mussorie, giving rise to pollution and health hazards.
Limestone quarrying was widely prevalent in Valley during the 80s. In order to give an economic push, it was the then Govt of UP that promoted limestone quarrying in the pristine hills of #Mussorie, giving rise to pollution and health hazards.
But, very few know that #Mussoorie was one of the favorite spots for JL Nehru and Indira Gandhi. In fact, it was Indira Gandhi that took the bold step to impose a blanket ban on limestone quarrying in the #DoonValley. Locals hailed this move and praised the then PM Indira Gandhi.
It has been written and recalled by the locals that while going to #Mussorie in her helicopter, Indira Gandhi saw the large stretches of dusty mountains and uprooted trees that moved her to introduce the ban for the limestone quarries in the #DoonValley.
However, the ban could not keep away the illegal industries that continued with the limestone mining in the #DoonValley. As a result of which a letter was written by Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) in 1983, an NGO, to SC, which it accepted as a writ petition!
This proved to be the turning point in the history of #DoonValley. The case was instituted as RLEK v. State of Uttar Pradesh, which concluded in 1988, banning all the limestone quarrying units in the valley. It discontinued any kind of mining activity in the valley.
This case became so famous that it is still taught as a landmark judgment in law schools. Avdhash Kaushal Ji, Founder RLEK, spearheaded the legal battle and later won Padmashree for his heroic efforts to save the pristine #DoonValley. RLEK played a vital role in the struggle!
