Under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, Rajasthan has intensified enforcement efforts, resulting in 1,132 actions taken across the state in just two weeks. These actions led to the recovery of over Rs 7.13 crore in penalties credited to the state treasury. Principal Secretary, Mines and Petroleum, T Ravikant, oversaw the ongoing campaign in a meeting with Director, Mines, Mahaveer Prasad Meena and other senior officials.
Field officers were directed to enhance ground-level vigilance, conduct surprise inspections regularly, and develop a clear plan for the timely auction of seized minerals. It was emphasized that if penalties are not paid within the specified timeframe, the formalities for the immediate confiscation of seized vehicles and machinery should be completed. Strict enforcement measures were underscored with a clear message that no leniency would be tolerated in combating illegal mining activities.
During the campaign, 264 FIRs were filed, and 90 individuals were arrested. Authorities confiscated more than 61,800 tonnes of illegally mined and stored minerals, along with 55 excavators and 983 vehicles involved in illegal mining activities. Bhilwara district witnessed the highest number of actions, with 120 operations resulting in the seizure of 12 machines, 120 vehicles, and the filing of 54 FIRs. In Jaipur, 85 actions were conducted, leading to the seizure of two excavators, 79 vehicles, and the recovery of the highest penalty amount of Rs 86.17 lakh.
Ajmer saw 83 operations with the seizure of 71 vehicles and machines. The largest quantity of minerals, amounting to 38,893 tonnes, was seized in Sawai Madhopur, while Nagaur collected penalties exceeding Rs 41 lakh. A high-level review meeting was attended by various officials, including Joint Secretary Arvind Saraswat, Special Officer Krishna Sharma, and Superintending Geologist Sunil Kumar Verma.
