State orders geospatial survey to combat illegal mining in Aravallis

After evading action for almost a week in a hill blasting case in Nuh, Haryana has finally ordered a geospatial survey of the Aravallis along the Rajasthan border. The survey, to be conducted by Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC), will demarcate the hills in Haryana where mining is banned and will also assist the state in identifying licensed mines in Rajasthan along the border to help curb illegal mining from the neighbouring state.

Nuh DC key coordinator

Illegal mining mafia has been exploiting jurisdictional confusion over these hills. A high-tech geospatial survey will help address this issue. DC Nuh will be the key coordinator for the exercise. — Official

The orders for the survey were issued by TL Satya Prakash, Commissioner and Secretary of the Mines and Geology Department. While Satya Prakash was unavailable for comments, a senior official revealed that this long-awaited survey will help define the jurisdiction of both states over various hills and also aid in updating revenue records.

“Illegal mining mafia has been exploiting jurisdictional confusion over these hills. A high-tech geospatial survey will help address this issue. DC Nuh will be the key coordinator for the exercise,” said the official.

Meanwhile, following orders from DC Nuh, Vishram Kumar Meena, the Enforcement Bureau has registered an FIR for the illegal mining of 6,000 metric tonne of hill in Rava village. Interestingly, while the FIR was filed almost four days after the blast, it does not mention the accused and is considered “weak” compared to the case filed by its counterpart in Rajasthan.

“We have registered the FIR and are investigating. The names of the accused and other facts will be updated as the investigation progresses,” said the Bureau authorities.

It is noteworthy that on December 20, a hill was allegedly blasted for illegal mining by a mafia from Rajasthan, leading to a loss of 6,000 metric tonne of valuable Aravalli stones for Haryana and a financial loss of Rs 22,000 crore to the exchequer.

Meena had previously convened a high-powered anti-mining committee meeting where he insisted on the registration of the FIR and stringent action.

“This special Enforcement Bureau was created to tackle illegal mining, but it is completely toothless. They are asking us to investigate and then provide them with details for action. If we are doing the investigation, why do we need the bureau? Despite providing them with details of the accused and suspects, they have not mentioned them in the FIR,” said a senior official of the Mining Department.