Paonta Sahib Forest Division leads the charge against illegal mining

In a determined and historic effort to protect the natural resources of Himachal Pradesh, the Paonta Sahib Forest Division of Sirmaur district has made remarkable strides in combating illegal mining. Nestled at the tri-junction of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, this region, home to the Yamuna, Giri and Bata rivers, has long been a target of unauthorised mining activities. However, through unprecedented enforcement measures, the division is now turning the tide in favour of conservation, demonstrating the state government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection.

Under the guidance of Sirmaur Conservator of Forests Vasanth Kiran Babu and leadership of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aishwarya Raj, the division has significantly ramped up its vigilance and enforcement. In line with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s vision for sustainable development, the Himachal Pradesh government has prioritised tackling illegal mining, empowering forest officials to act decisively.

As a result, over Rs 1.45 crore in fines has been imposed in nearly 750 cases between FY 2022-23 and 2024-25, marking one of the most significant crackdowns in the state’s history. The Forest Department’s strategy has been multi-pronged, involving surprise raids, night patrols, mobile checkpoints and round-the-clock inspections. These sustained efforts have not only led to large-scale penalties but also significantly deterred illegal mining operations, setting a strong precedent for future conservation initiatives.

The financial year 2024-25 has been particularly historic, recording the highest-ever annual mining penalties in the region. By February 2025, a total of Rs 57.9 lakh in fines had been imposed across 294 cases, the largest crackdown of its kind. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication of forest officials, who often risk their safety while tackling organised illegal mining operations.

DFO Aishwarya Raj, while acknowledging the efforts of his team, emphasised the importance of these enforcement actions, stating, “Illegal mining is no longer an unchecked activity in this region. Every successful raid and every penalty imposed is a step toward protecting our forests and rivers. Our goal is not just to punish violators but to create an environment where conservation is prioritised over exploitation.”

Despite these successes, the battle against illegal mining remains challenging. The porous inter-state borders with Uttarakhand pose significant jurisdictional hurdles, as mining activities often spill across administrative boundaries. Additionally, the lack of dedicated patrol vehicles at the range level and the need for weapons and specialized training for forest officers continue to be critical concerns.

Enforcement teams frequently encounter hostile miners, making on-ground operations increasingly dangerous. Yet, the courage and perseverance of these officials have kept Himachal Pradesh’s conservation mission on track, ensuring that illegal mining does not regain its foothold.

Recognising the need for long-term solutions, the Forest Department has advocated for several key reforms. One of the most pressing requirements is the digitisation and proper demarcation of inter-state boundaries along the Yamuna, particularly with Uttarakhand, to eliminate disputes and enhance enforcement efficiency.

Additionally, the entry of the Forest Department into revenue records for areas categorised under ‘Kabza Van Vibhag’ is crucial to establish legal ownership of forest lands, preventing encroachments and unauthorised extraction of minerals. The deployment of Forest Kanungos (land record officers) is expected to play a vital role in ensuring that land documentation is accurate and that forested regions remain well-protected.

Inter-state collaboration is another key aspect that is expected to strengthen conservation efforts. Officials from both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have expressed the need for joint enforcement raids on both sides of the Yamuna, which would significantly curb illegal activities.

The first step toward achieving this will be regular joint meetings between the administration, revenue and forest departments of both states to ensure that a uniform enforcement mechanism is in place. Moreover, checking of vehicles and transport machinery—including trucks and tractors operating without number plates or with multiple registrations, particularly those originating from Uttarakhand and Haryana—must be intensified. The Police and Transport Department are expected to step up their role in this regard, ensuring that violators are booked under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Another major concern that the Forest Department has raised is the necessity for clear demarcation of private lease areas to prevent illegal spillover mining onto government land. The absence of boundary pillars often makes it difficult to distinguish between legally permitted mining sites and unauthorized encroachments.