In a decisive move to safeguard one of North India's most critical ecological shields, the Haryana Police have announced a significant intensification of enforcement activities in the Aravalli range. The initiative aims to clamp down on rampant illegal mining, land encroachment, and other environmental crimes that have long plagued the fragile hills.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Protection
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order, Shatrujeet Kapur, revealed the department's renewed focus following a high-level review meeting. The strategy is not merely about increasing patrols but involves a sophisticated, intelligence-led approach. Kapur stated that police stations in the Aravalli region will now treat illegal mining with the same seriousness as heinous crimes, ensuring top priority in investigation and action.
The plan hinges on better coordination and the use of advanced technology. Police will work in close tandem with the forest department, mining department, and local revenue authorities to share real-time intelligence. The use of drones and satellite imagery is set to be scaled up to monitor remote and vulnerable areas of the hills, making it harder for offenders to operate undetected. This tech-driven surveillance will help identify fresh excavation sites, illegal pathways, and storage points for mined materials.
Targeting the Entire Illegal Supply Chain
Enforcement will not stop at the mining pits. ADGP Kapur emphasized a holistic crackdown targeting the entire illicit network. Police will rigorously pursue the transportation and sale of illegally mined materials, setting up strategic checkpoints and inspecting vehicles. This move aims to choke the economic pipeline that makes such activities profitable.
Furthermore, the police are preparing to take stringent action against individuals and entities involved in the illegal purchase and use of such materials for construction and other purposes. The message is clear: the market for illegally sourced Aravalli stone and soil will be systematically dismantled.
Focus on Gurugram's Green Lungs
A specific area of concern and focus is the Gurugram forest division, which encompasses a vital section of the Aravallis. This region, acting as a green buffer for the National Capital Region (NCR), has faced immense pressure from urban expansion and illegal activities. The intensified drive here is crucial for preserving local biodiversity, groundwater recharge zones, and combating air pollution.
The Haryana Police's commitment signals a shift towards treating environmental degradation as a serious threat to public security and ecological stability. This proactive stance is seen as a critical step in preserving the Aravallis, which are essential for preventing desertification, regulating the climate, and supporting wildlife in North India.
The success of this initiative will depend on sustained political will, inter-departmental synergy, and continued public support to report violations. If effectively implemented, it could mark a turning point in the long-standing battle to conserve the ancient and beleaguered Aravalli range.
