A large-scale coordinated operation against illegal mining and transportation of minerals in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli hill range yielded significant results on its very first day. The joint enforcement drive, spanning 20 districts of Rajasthan, led to the seizure of more than 30 vehicles, recovery of nearly ₹3 lakh in penalties, and the registration of one FIR.
State-Wide Coordination for Aravalli Protection
Principal Secretary for Mines, T Ravikanth, stated that all district collectors in the affected Aravalli regions had formed special enforcement teams. He emphasized that district collectors and senior mines department officers were directed to personally oversee the campaign's progress. The drive underscores the administration's renewed focus on protecting the fragile ecology of the Aravallis from unauthorized extraction activities.
District-Wide Action and Major Seizures
Official data indicates that Jaipur district witnessed the most substantial action. Coordinated teams from the district administration, mines department, and police confiscated 16 vehicles, including two excavators, from locations like Kalwar, Shivdaspura, Kotkhawda, Phagi, Mokhampura, and Galta Gate. These vehicles were involved in the illegal extraction and movement of limestone and sand.
In Pali district, enforcement teams seized seven vehicles engaged in illegal sand transportation in Pali, Sanderav, and Chandawal areas. Authorities registered an FIR and recovered a penalty of ₹1.27 lakh.
The crackdown in Sirohi district saw a JCB machine used for illegal mining seized at Doduwa, with a hefty penalty of ₹1,71,300 imposed on the offenders.
Action Across Other Districts
The enforcement net spread wide across the state:
- In Sikar, one dumper illegally carrying stone was seized.
- Authorities in Jhunjhunu confiscated two dumpers transporting grit.
- Dausa district saw the seizure of a tractor-trolley involved in illegal stone transportation.
- Initial reports also confirmed the seizure of one vehicle in Pratapgarh for illegal mineral transport.
Zero-Tolerance Stance and Future Plans
During a meeting on Sunday, District Collector Jitendra Kumar Soni issued strict instructions, declaring that any activity causing damage to the Aravalli's fragile ecosystem would not be tolerated. He affirmed that strict legal action would continue against illegal mining operators and that such joint campaigns would be conducted regularly in the future to ensure sustained deterrence.
The extensive first-day results of this drive signal a strong administrative resolve to curb the rampant illegal mining that has plagued the Aravalli range, aiming to preserve its environmental integrity through persistent vigilance and coordinated action.
