Rajasthan's Mandatory Drone Mine Surveys Face Delays Despite Extended Deadline
In a significant setback for efforts to curb illegal mining and enhance state revenue, mandatory drone surveys of mines across Rajasthan have been delayed, even after an extended deadline. Officials confirmed that mine owners have largely failed to comply with the directive, raising concerns about enforcement and transparency in the mining sector.
Extended Deadline Fails to Boost Compliance
The mining and geology department had mandated annual drone surveys within a 100-metre perimeter of leased mining areas. Initially set for December 31, 2025, the deadline was extended to March 31, 2026, following drone flight restrictions in June 2025. However, a senior mining official revealed that compliance remains alarmingly low. "Mine owners across the state have largely failed to submit their survey reports," the official stated. "In many districts, including Bikaner, not a single survey has been carried out. Despite warnings of action under established guidelines, there has been no compliance."
Purpose and Challenges of Drone Surveys
The drone surveys are designed to detect illegal mining activities near leased areas and facilitate penalty collection, thereby boosting state revenue. Private firms have been employed to conduct these surveys, but the process has faced criticism from leaseholders. They allege that the surveys are flawed, often treating entire mine pits as mineral-rich areas without accounting for overburden, waste, soil, and other non-mineral materials. This discrepancy has led to penalties running into crores of rupees. Many leaseholders also claim they were not informed prior to the surveys, raising serious questions about transparency and procedural fairness.
Legal and Expert Perspectives
Experts acknowledge that the drone surveys are legally valid but emphasize the need for greater transparency. They suggest involving departmental geologists to accurately account for waste material. One expert highlighted, "Many penalties, ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore, have been levied even when the actual mineral extracted or present is far less than calculated." Officials counter that surveys are notified in advance, and penalties are imposed under mining laws, which allow fines of up to ten times the royalty for illegal extraction.
Ongoing Disputes and Court Interventions
Disputes over the accuracy of drone surveys have escalated, with several cases reaching the courts. In a notable development, the Rajasthan High Court, on January 23, 2025, declared some show-cause notices issued based on drone surveys invalid. This judicial intervention underscores the contentious nature of the enforcement measures. As delays persist, the department faces mounting pressure to ensure that surveys are conducted fairly and effectively, balancing revenue goals with the rights of leaseholders.
