In a significant crackdown, the Rajasthan Department of Mines has initiated stringent action against rampant illegal mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli regions of Bhilwara. This decisive move follows a detailed drone survey and an investigative report that exposed systematic, large-scale unlicensed extraction of minerals.
Drone Evidence Triggers Crackdown
The department issued formal notices to eight mining leaseholders operating in the Samodi and Pansal ki Dang areas on Wednesday. This action was directly prompted by a December 17 investigation by the Times of India, titled 'Drone survey flags massive illegal mining in Aravallis near Bhilwara'. The report, backed by compelling drone imagery, laid bare extensive violations causing significant damage to the fragile hill ecosystem.
A senior department official confirmed, "After examination of the drone survey findings, notices have been issued to eight leaseholders. They have been asked to submit their replies along with supporting documents within 30 days."
Scale of Violations and Departmental Findings
The notice, accessed by TOI, points to serious discrepancies in the volume of mined material. The drone survey also identified several unauthorized mining pits on land adjoining the leased areas, confirming that operators were extracting minerals beyond their legally sanctioned boundaries.
The department's internal report reveals shocking details:
- Seven leaseholders allegedly misused transit permits to illegally move a staggering 36.9 lakh tonnes of minerals.
- One operator carried out excess mining amounting to over 1 lakh tonnes.
- Additionally, 15 illegal mining pits were discovered, from which an estimated 2.43 crore tonnes of minerals were unlawfully extracted.
The notices warn the leaseholders that a failure to provide a satisfactory explanation will lead to appropriate action under the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017. Potential consequences include cancellation of mining leases and recovery of dues for all unauthorized extraction.
Historic Penalties Loom for Violators
Environmental activist and whistleblower Kishore Kumahat broke down the potential financial repercussions. He explained that in Bhilwara, the royalty rate for masonry stone is Rs 45 per tonne. Departmental rules stipulate that illegal mining attracts a penalty ten times the royalty, which amounts to Rs 450 per tonne.
"Based on these figures, the total penalty on the lease owners identified is expected to exceed Rs 1,000 crore," Kumahat stated. He emphasized, "If imposed, this would be the largest mining penalty imposed in Rajasthan to date."
This crackdown marks a critical step by authorities to use technology like drone surveillance to enforce environmental and mining laws, aiming to protect the vulnerable Aravalli ranges from further degradation.
