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Rajasthan Recovers ₹7.13 Cr, Arrests 90 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown

Rajasthan has launched a major crackdown on illegal mining, recovering over ₹7.13 crore in penalties in just two weeks. Authorities have arrested 90 individuals, registered 264 FIRs, and seized more than 61,800 tonnes of illegally mined minerals. The campaign, reviewed by senior officials, has also led to the confiscation of 55 excavators and nearly 1,000 vehicles used in illegal operations. Bhilwara district saw the most enforcement actions, while Sawai Madhopur recorded the largest mineral seizure.

Key Points: Rajasthan Illegal Mining Crackdown: ₹7.13 Cr Recovered, 90 Arrested

  • ₹7.13 crore recovered in penalties
  • 90 individuals arrested
  • 61,800 tonnes of minerals seized
  • 1,132 enforcement actions in two weeks
2 min read

Illegal mining crackdown in Rajasthan: Rs 7.13 cr recovered in two weeks; 90 arrested

Rajasthan's zero-tolerance mining crackdown recovers ₹7.13 crore, seizes 61,800 tonnes of minerals, and arrests 90 in two weeks. Full details.

"no laxity will be tolerated in action against illegal mining - T Ravikant"

Jaipur, Jan 12

Under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, Rajasthan has intensified enforcement through a coordinated crackdown that has yielded significant results.

In just two weeks, 1,132 actions were taken across the state, leading to the recovery of over Rs 7.13 crore in penalties credited to the state treasury.

Principal Secretary, Mines and Petroleum, T Ravikant, reviewed the ongoing campaign on Monday in a hybrid meeting at the Secretariat with Director, Mines, Mahaveer Prasad Meena and senior officials.

He directed field officers to step up ground-level vigilance, conduct frequent surprise inspections and prepare a clear roadmap for the timely auction of seized minerals.

He also instructed that if penalties are not deposited within the stipulated timeframe, formalities for the immediate confiscation of seized vehicles and machinery must be completed.

Emphasising strict enforcement, he made it clear that no laxity will be tolerated in action against illegal mining.

Mahaveer Prasad Meena said that during the campaign, 264 FIRs have been registered with the police and 90 individuals arrested.

Authorities seized more than 61,800 tonnes of illegally mined and stored minerals.

In addition, 55 excavators -- including JCBs and Poclain machines -- and 983 vehicles such as dumpers and tractor-trolleys involved in illegal mining were confiscated.

Bhilwara district recorded the highest number of actions, with Mining Engineers from Bhilwara and Bijoliya jointly carrying out 120 operations, resulting in the seizure of 12 machines and 120 vehicles, and the registration of 54 FIRs.

In Jaipur, the Mining Engineer conducted 85 actions, seizing two excavators and 79 vehicles, while also recovering the highest penalty amount of Rs 86.17 lakh.

Ajmer saw 83 operations with the seizure of 71 vehicles and machines.

The largest quantity of minerals -- 38,893 tonnes -- was seized in Sawai Madhopur, while Nagaur collected penalties exceeding Rs 41 lakh.

The high-level review meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Arvind Saraswat, Special Officer Krishna Sharma, Superintending Geologist (Aerial Survey) Sunil Kumar Verma, Finance Officer Suresh Chandra Jain, and other departmental officers from Additional Director to Assistant Mining Engineer level.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
This is impressive data-driven enforcement. 61,800 tonnes seized is a massive amount. I hope the penalties and arrests act as a real deterrent. The focus on timely auction is also crucial to prevent the seized stock from just disappearing back into the black market.
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Arjun K
Good step, but will it last? Often these crackdowns are just for headlines. The real test is sustained action over the next 6 months. Also, who were the 90 arrested? Were they just drivers and labourers, or the big players and politicians funding this? That's what we need to know.
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Priya S
Bhilwara, Jaipur, Ajmer... the problem is everywhere. It's heartbreaking to see our land and rivers being damaged. The confiscation of vehicles is key – hit them where it hurts, their pockets. More power to the field officers doing the tough job.
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Karthik V
Recovery of Rs 7.13 crore is good for the treasury, but what about the environmental cost? That's irreversible. They should use this penalty money specifically for land reclamation and afforestation in the mined areas. That would be true justice.
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Michael C
Coordinated crackdowns like this show what's possible with political will. The directive for "immediate confiscation" if penalties aren't paid is a strong message. Hope other states learn from this model. The scale of operations (1,132 actions) is commendable.

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