Jaipur: A large-scale joint enforcement drive against illegal mining and illegal transportation of minerals across the Aravalli hill range led to extensive action in 20 districts of Rajasthan on its first day. The coordinated campaign resulted in the seizure of more than 30 vehicles, recovery of nearly ₹3 lakh in penalties, and the registration of 1 FIR, officials said.Principal Secretary, Mines, T Ravikanth said that all district collectors in the 20 Aravalli districts constituted enforcement teams. “District collectors and senior officers of the mines department were instructed to closely monitor the campaign,” he said. As per official data, Jaipur district witnessed major action. A senior official said coordinated teams of the district administration, mines department and police seized 16 vehicles, including two excavators, from multiple locations such as Kalwar, Shivdaspura, Kotkhawda, Phagi, Mokhampura and Galta Gate. The seized vehicles were found involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of limestone and sand. In Pali district, enforcement teams seized seven vehicles involved in illegal sand transportation in Pali, Sanderav and Chandawal areas. An FIR was registered, and a penalty of ₹1.27 lakh was recovered. In Sirohi district, a JCB machine engaged in illegal mining was seized at Doduwa, and a penalty of ₹1,71,300 was imposed. Action was also taken in other districts. In Sikar, one dumper carrying stone illegally was seized. In Jhunjhunu, two dumpers transporting grit were confiscated, while in Dausa, a tractor-trolley involved in illegal stone transportation was seized. Initial reports also confirmed the seizure of one vehicle in Pratapgarh for illegal mineral transportation. District Collector Jitendra Kumar Soni, during a meeting Sunday, issued strict instructions that any activity causing damage to the fragile ecology of the Aravalli region would not be tolerated. “Strict action, as per rules, will continue against those involved in illegal mining, and such joint campaigns will be conducted regularly in the future as well,” he said.
