Bhiwani administration tightens vigil on Dadam mining zone

A team from the Bhiwani district administration, led by Tosham SDM Dr Ashvir Nain, conducted an inspection of the Dadam mining zone in the Aravalli ranges on Tuesday. Mining operations at the site remain banned following two separate incidents in 2022 that claimed seven lives.

Dr Nain said the team reviewed the mining areas and instructed officials from the Mining Department and Enforcement Bureau to maintain constant surveillance of the hilly terrain. “All entry routes to the hills must be sealed and regular photographic and video evidence should be submitted to my office and the Deputy Commissioner's office,” he said.

The SDM emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and directed regular field visits to prevent unauthorised mining activities. He urged officials to increase patrolling in the zone, including the Dadam and Khanak ranges.

“We are committed to ensuring that no illegal mining takes place. Regular inspections and enhanced vigilance will help maintain compliance,” Dr Nain said.

Officials and Inspection Details

Accompanying the SDM were Naib Tehsildar Sanjay Sharma, District Mining Officer Pankaj Kumawat, Mining Officers Krishan Chandra and Amit Kumar, Enforcement Bureau official Jaibhagwan, Sub-Inspector Surender Singh and ASI Virender Singh. The officials also reviewed jurisdictional responsibilities with the Mining and Forest Departments.

The Dadam mining zone gained notoriety after a landslide on January 1, 2022, killed five workers, followed by another rockslide incident on April 24, 2022, that claimed two more lives.

In the aftermath, the Bhiwani police filed a criminal case against the owners of mining firms, including Govardhan Mines Minerals (GMM), Karamjit Singh Co. Limited (KJSL), Sunder Marketing Associates (SMA), and Baba Samaj. Allegations included fraud, forgery and illegal mining practices.

A local resident, Rakesh Dalal, petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal mining at Dadam. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27.

The SDM reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing illegal activities and ensuring safety in the region. A resident Rakesh Dalal had approached the Punjab and Haryana High seeking CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal mining at the Dadam mining zone.