Unauthorised mining goes on in Mahendragarh despite crackdown

Despite persistent crackdowns by the authorities, illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of mining materials are being perpetrated in the district. As many as 125 FIRs have been registered since April this year against those involved in such illegal activities.

The authorities have also imposed penalty on 318 vehicles used in illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of mining materials. Sources claimed the vehicles mainly belonged to Haryana and Rajasthan.

Deputy Commissioner Capt Manoj Kumar issued a stern warning during a meeting of the District-Level Task Force Committee held in Narnaul on Wednesday, stating that illegal mining would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He maintained that a total of Rs 129 crore mining revenue was received in the district this year so far.

“The state government and the district administration are committed to ensuring that mining operations are conducted with complete transparency. It is the responsibility of officials to ensure that no illegal mining activity takes place anywhere in the district,” said the DC while addressing the officials at the meeting.

He directed the officers to strictly enforce mining regulations and ensure that mining takes place only at government-designated locations and strictly as per approved norms. He emphasised the need for field officers to maintain regular on-ground surveillance.

The DC also instructed that no overloaded vehicles should be allowed to operate within the district, and empowered officers must issue challans against vehicles violating mining or transport rules.

“The registration of 125 FIRs and fines imposed on 318 vehicles over the past six and a half months for illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of mining materials clearly indicate that district officials are actively present in the field and are working with full commitment to curb such illegal activities and deter those involved in this unlawful trade,” claimed a district official.

He maintained that regular patrolling and surveillance were being carried out in sensitive areas in the district to ensure a complete check on the illegal transportation of mining materials.