Jaipur: Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Rajasthan govt directing them to respond to allegations of large-scale illegal bajri (river sand) mining and transportation in the state.The directive was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice K R Shriram and Justice K Vinod Chandran while hearing a petition filed by All Rajasthan Bajri Truck Operators Welfare Society. The court condoned the delay in filing, ordered the issuance of notices, and instructed that the matter be tagged with an earlier Special Leave Petition (SLP) already pending before the apex court.The petition, presented by truck operators welfare society president Naveen Sharma, highlighted rampant illegal mining and transportation, which crippled the business of licensed truck operators. It stated that the general public was being forced to purchase bajri at inflated prices due to the shortage created by illegal operations.The petition also highlighted environmental degradation and accused the mining mafia of operating under protection of local political figures and certain police officials. It alleged that those attempting to oppose or expose these activities faced threats and criminal intimidation. Furthermore, the illegal trade was causing significant revenue losses to the state exchequer, it said.Supreme Court granted liberty to the petitioner to serve notices through the Central Agency/Standing Counsel in addition to the usual mode of service. The court also permitted advocate Chirayu Sharma to assist the petitioner, who appeared in person during the proceedings. The matter will be taken up for further hearing once the Centre and Rajasthan govt file their responses.
SC issues notice to Centre, Raj on illegal bajri mining | Jaipur News
