Jaipur: Under the zero-tolerance policy spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Rajasthan has intensified enforcement against illegal mining activities. In just 15 days, coordinated actions across the state have resulted in 1,132 enforcement operations, leading to the collection of over ₹7.13 crore in fines for the state exchequer.
Strict Enforcement and Official Oversight
On Monday, Principal Secretary of Mines and Petroleum, T. Ravikant, conducted a review meeting at the Secretariat with Mining Director Mahavir Prasad Meena and senior officials to assess the ongoing crackdown. He instructed field officers to enhance vigilance at ground level, conduct frequent surprise inspections, and prepare a clear action plan for timely auctioning of seized minerals.
Further directives included immediate formalities to seize vehicles and machinery if fines are not paid within the stipulated time. Emphasizing strictness, Ravikant made it clear that no leniency will be tolerated in the fight against illegal mining.
Operations Yield Significant Results
Mahavir Prasad Meena reported that during the campaign, police registered 264 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 90 individuals involved in illegal mining. Officials seized over 61,800 tonnes of unlawfully mined and stored minerals.
Additionally, 55 excavation machines, including JCBs and Poclain excavators, along with 983 vehicles such as dumpers and tractor-trailers, were confiscated.
District-Level Impact and Fines Collected
Bhilwara district recorded the highest number of operations, where mining engineers from Bhilwara and Bijolia jointly conducted 120 drives. These operations led to the seizure of 12 machines and 120 vehicles, along with 54 FIRs filed.
In Jaipur, mining engineers carried out 85 actions, confiscating two excavation machines and 79 vehicles, and collected the highest fine of ₹86.17 lakh.
Ajmer saw 83 operations resulting in the seizure of 71 vehicles and machines. Sawai Madhopur topped in the quantity of minerals seized, with 38,893 tonnes confiscated, while Nagaur collected fines exceeding ₹41 lakh.
This robust enforcement drive highlights Rajasthan’s commitment to curbing illegal mining and protecting its natural resources through sustained vigilance and strict action.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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