Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Jan 12: Acting on chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, Rajasthan has intensified enforcement across the state, resulting in a major crackdown that has delivered substantial outcomes within a short span.
Over the past two weeks, authorities carried out 1,132 enforcement actions, leading to the recovery of more than Rs 7.13 crore in penalties, which have been deposited into the state exchequer.
The progress of the campaign was reviewed on Monday by principal secretary (Mines and Petroleum) T. Ravikant during a hybrid meeting at the Secretariat, attended by director of Mines Mahaveer Prasad Meena and senior officials. Ravikant instructed field officers to enhance on-ground vigilance, carry out frequent surprise inspections, and draw up a clear plan for the prompt auction of seized minerals.
He also directed officials to ensure that if penalties are not paid within the prescribed timeframe, immediate steps should be taken to confiscate seized vehicles and machinery. Stressing strict enforcement, Ravikant said there would be no tolerance for negligence or delays in action against illegal mining operations.
Providing details of the drive, Mahaveer Prasad Meena said that 264 FIRs have been registered during the campaign and 90 people arrested. Authorities seized more than 61,800 tonnes of illegally mined or stored minerals.
The operation also led to the confiscation of 55 excavators, including JCB and Poclain machines, along with 983 vehicles such as dumpers and tractor-trolleys used in illegal mining activities.
Bhilwara district recorded the highest number of enforcement actions. Mining engineers from Bhilwara and Bijoliya jointly conducted 120 operations, seizing 12 machines and 120 vehicles, and registering 54 FIRs.
In Jaipur, 85 actions were carried out, resulting in the seizure of two excavators and 79 vehicles. The district also recorded the highest penalty recovery, amounting to Rs 86.17 lac. Ajmer followed with 83 actions and the seizure of 71 vehicles and machines.
Sawai Madhopur reported the largest seizure of minerals, totalling 38,893 tonnes, while Nagaur collected penalties exceeding Rs 41 lac.
The review meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Arvind Saraswat, Special Officer Krishna Sharma, Superintending Geologist (Aerial Survey) Sunil Kumar Verma, Finance Officer Suresh Chandra Jain, and other departmental officers from the Additional Director to Assistant Mining Engineer level.