State officials crack down on illegal mining, seize 11 vehicles

In an effort to curb illegal transportation of mining materials, officials of the Mines and Geology Department from the state headquarters conducted a special operation over the past two days in Mahendragarh district. The operation aimed at checking vehicles suspected of being involved in illegal mining activity.

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During the two-day drive, a total of 472 vehicles were inspected, resulting in the seizure of 11 vehicles, including eight tractor-trolleys and three trucks that were illegally transporting gravel and sand from mining sites.

In a dramatic turn of events, one of the tractor-trolleys overturned when the driver attempted to flee after noticing the team in the Khatauli crusher zone. No injuries or property damage were reported.

This operation follows a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities in the district with 19 FIRs filed since January and 24 vehicles seized for involvement in illegal mining and transportation.

According to sources, the team, comprising Geologist Deepak Hooda, Assistant Mining Engineer Rajesh Sangwan, Mining Officer Om Dutt Sharma and Mining Inspector Arun Kumar, conducted inspections of riverbed areas in Mandi, Baproli, Mahrampur, and Nangal Kantha villages.

They also visited other areas prone to illegal stone mining, including Panchnota, Bayal, Digrota, Sarai, Jainpur and Sohla villages.

In response to directives from the Haryana Mines and Geology Department, the district administration has set up inter-departmental teams, including the local police, to monitor illegal mining activities and take prompt legal action.

During a recent meeting with local officials and Sarpanches from mining-prone villages, Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bharti emphasised the critical role of village heads in safeguarding the district's mineral resources. He also urged Sarpanches to act as custodian of their respective villages, reporting any illegal mining activities to the authorities without delay.

In addition, the DC ordered the establishment of three check-posts in Nangal Choudhary, Nizampur and Bawal villages to further curb the illegal transportation of mining materials.

“Mahendragarh district, known for its rich mineral resources, spans a large area under the Aravalli forest, stretching approximately 60-70 km from Garhi Khudana village to Golwa-Bayal. The district also borders the Krishnavati and Dohan rivers. A joint team from Mining and other departments conduct round-the-clock inspections in the hill and river areas to deter illegal mining operations,” said an official.