The Chief Minister's Flying Squad conducted a joint raid on a sand mining site in Mughalpura village, Hisar district, and uncovered irregularities in soil excavation that exceeded the permitted limit. The site is located adjacent to a protected archaeological site spanning 34 acres, which was declared a protected monument by the Haryana government on May 1, 2023, following the discovery of artifacts, pottery, and other antiquities dating back to the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods.
Raid Details and Findings
The inspection team revealed that the excavation site is situated on land under the jurisdiction of the Archaeology and Museums Department. According to the norms of the Archaeological Survey of India, any excavation of soil within approximately 100 meters of a protected site is prohibited. Following the raid, officials from the Archaeology and Museums Department have been asked to conduct their own assessment and take appropriate action.
The joint raid was carried out by officials from the Mining Department, Revenue Department, Archaeology and Museums Department, and local police. It was led by CM Flying Hisar Range In-charge Sunaina. According to officials, the team received information about large-scale excavation and removal of soil from private agricultural land adjoining the ancient archaeological site, with alleged violations of departmental regulations. During the inspection, authorities found a poclain machine extracting soil and loading it directly into dumpers.
Permit Violations and Legal Consequences
The officials informed that the landowner, Baljit, had obtained permission from the Mining Department for soil extraction. However, physical verification and examination of departmental records indicated that the quantity of soil removed exceeded the amount authorized under the permit. The officials said that a detailed report is being prepared and will be forwarded to higher authorities. Any excess excavation established through final verification could attract penalties and legal action under mining laws.
Concerns Over Archaeological Damage
Meanwhile, villagers have expressed concern, alleging that the excavation of soil from near the site has led to destruction of the protected archaeological site, which belongs to the Harappan, Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta eras and has been declared protected by the Haryana Archaeology Department. The site's protected status means that any unauthorized activity nearby could result in irreversible damage to historical artifacts and antiquities.
