The Uttarakhand government has approved **two large soapstone** mines in Karmi village, Bageshwar, raising **environmental concerns**.
These mines, spanning **4.5 and 15 hectares**, are located within 15 km of the **Himalayan range**, sparking fears of **ecological damage**.
Local residents warn that mining activities could lead to the **destruction of vital forests** and impact the **fragile ecosystem** of the region.
Villagers allege that mining approvals were granted using **fraudulent signatures**, which the district mining officer denies.
The situation has drawn the **attention of the Uttarakhand high court**, which has raised serious concerns about the mining activities in this **disaster-prone area**.
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