Rajasthan: 43 FIRs Filed, 26 Arrests Made; 24,461 Tonnes of Illegally Mined Minerals Confiscated

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Rajasthan: 43 FIRs Filed, 26 Arrests Made; 24,461 Tonnes of Illegally Mined Minerals Confiscated

Synopsis

In Rajasthan, state authorities executed 314 operations targeting illegal mining from April 2 to April 8, resulting in 43 FIRs and 26 arrests. Over 24,461 tonnes of illegally mined minerals were seized, demonstrating a strong commitment to enforcing mining regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • 314 operations conducted against illegal mining.
  • 24,461 tonnes of illegal minerals seized.
  • 43 FIRs registered and 26 arrests made.
  • Fines totaling over Rs 107 lakh imposed.
  • Joint operations enhanced coordination in enforcement.

Jaipur, April 10 (NationPress) In a bid to implement a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, state authorities executed 314 operations from April 2 to April 8, focusing on illegal mining, the transportation of minerals, and storage, resulting in the seizure of 152 vehicles and machinery, according to an official.

Furthermore, the official reported that over 24,461 tonnes of illegally stored minerals were confiscated statewide.

“Moreover, 43 FIRs were lodged, and 26 individuals were apprehended, highlighting the state’s determination to tackle these unlawful activities,” the official stated.

Principal Secretary of the Mines Department, T. Ravikant, asserted that these stringent enforcement measures align with the government’s objective to combat illegal mining.

Additional Director Vigilance, PR Ameta, has been appointed as the nodal officer at the headquarters to ensure coordinated efforts across all areas.

In Beawar, Mining Engineer Jagdish Mehrawat orchestrated operations that led to the confiscation of a record 7,513 tonnes of illegally stored minerals, with nine operations imposing fines totaling Rs 92.16 lakh.

Udaipur witnessed equally vigorous efforts; ME Asif Ansari’s team conducted 30 actions, while another unit under Additional Director Mahesh Mathur executed 66 operations, seizing 1,729.99 tonnes of minerals, leading to the registration of 10 FIRs, 8 arrests, and the confiscation of 18 vehicles.

A separate team under Additional Director Yogendra Singh Sahwal and Devendra Gaud also achieved considerable results, registering 10 FIRs, arresting five suspects, and seizing 52 vehicles and pieces of machinery, along with a significant recovery of fines.

Bhilwara experienced 39 operations conducted by a team of officers from Bhilwara, Bijolia, Chittor, and Nimbahera, resulting in the seizure of 938 tonnes of minerals and fines amounting to Rs 30.53 lakh and Rs 34.35 lakh recovered.

In Kota, senior officer Avinash Kuldeep led 30 operations, during which 7,343 tonnes of minerals were seized, fines exceeded Rs 107 lakh, and over Rs 21 lakh was recovered.

In Jaipur, under senior officer NS Shaktiwat’s leadership, 24 operations were completed, resulting in the seizure of 519 tonnes of minerals, fines of Rs 15.43 lakh, and Rs 13.50 lakh recovered.

Additional operations in Jaipur, led by Vigilance officer Pratap Meena, involved seven actions that resulted in fines amounting to Rs 5.75 lakh.

In Ajmer, SME Jai Gurubakhsani directed 25 operations, resulting in the seizure of 8,160 tonnes of minerals, fines exceeding Rs 99 lakh, and the recovery of over Rs 7 lakh along with the confiscation of 20 vehicles.

An official indicated that teams in Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Rajsamand also played crucial roles in the statewide crackdown, noting that a joint operation involving teams from Jaipur and Alwar demonstrated a targeted approach to curbing illegal activities.

The official emphasized that the robust actions taken over the past week reflect the state’s unwavering commitment to halting illegal mining operations and safeguarding its natural resources.

Authorities are maintaining vigilant oversight and aim to strengthen compliance with mining regulations across all regions, officials stated.