The Haryana Department of Mines and Geology has intensified its efforts to curb illegal mining in the state. A special inspection drive was launched to protect natural resources and prevent unauthorised mining activities. Modern technologies including drones are being used for monitoring, and regular inspections are being carried out at mining sites. Vehicles involved in illegal mining are being seized, while FIRs are being registered and fines imposed on offenders.
As per the officials from the Department of Mines and Geology Haryana since January, departmental teams conducted inspections at 3,950 locations across the state as part of the special drive. During these inspections, 324 vehicles involved in illegal mining were seized, generating revenue of around Rs 1.37 crore for the government.
In Bhagwapur village of Yamunanagar district, the department acted swiftly on a complaint of illegal mining. It was found that boulders, gravel, sand, and soil were illegally mined over two acres of land. A fine of Rs 65,37,732 was imposed, and an FIR was registered on February 11, 2025.
Regular inspection campaigns are being conducted in every district. Between January and February 10, 2025, Yamunanagar district alone reported the seizure of 123 vehicles involved in illegal mining, along with 116 FIRs.
Senior officials of the mining department have made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in illegal mining.
The action was taken after a team from the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, Yamunanagar, was reportedly attacked by suspected members of the mining mafia in Baghpat village, under Pratap Nagar police station limits, during an operation to seize vehicles involved in illegal mining.
The incident occurred on January 28 when the team, led by Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar, along with ASIs Jarnail Singh and Virender Singh, Head Constable Bhoop Singh, and Constable Amandeep Singh, acted on a tip-off and reached the area to intercept the vehicles engaged in illegal mining activities. Tensions escalated as the team tried to take action, leading to the alleged attack by the mining mafia.