Rajasthan: Has a Major Crackdown on Illegal Mining Taken Place?
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Synopsis
In a bold move to combat illegal mining, Rajasthan's Karauli Police have seized thousands of tons of gravel, explosives, and heavy machinery. This crackdown underscores the authorities' commitment to eradicating unlawful practices and protecting natural resources.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive operation launched by Karauli Police.
- Seizure of 2,790 tonnes of gravel linked to illegal mining.
- Confiscation of explosives and heavy machinery.
- Continued efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
- Collaboration with district administration and Mines Department.
Jaipur, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Karauli Police in Rajasthan executed a comprehensive operation against illegal mining, which resulted in the confiscation of gravel, explosives, and heavy machinery, an official disclosed on Wednesday.
This operation, conducted across various police station jurisdictions, was led by Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal and managed by Additional SP Gumna Ram, along with Circle Officers Kanhaiyalal, Anuj Shubham, and Meena Meena. Officials indicated that a joint task force comprising the Karauli Police, district administration, and the Mines Department targeted Kanthda Hadoti village in the Sapotra police station area on Tuesday.
During the raid, the team confiscated approximately 2,790 tonnes of gravel (equivalent to around 700 trolleys) that had been illegally extracted from the Banas River. This stockpile was discovered along the riverbank near the Karauli–Sawai Madhopur border (Khandar). In a concurrent action, the Langra police station seized explosive materials used for mining.
The recovered items included 47 Rajjail-90 high-explosive rods (Class-2), 925 feet of detonator wire, a Massey tractor, and a compressor machine along with various iron tools such as drills, hammers, and chisels. Additionally, in another operation near Kanketiyapura village, police teams confiscated two hydra machines and a compressor machine.
Upon the police’s arrival, workers engaged in illegal mining abandoned their equipment and fled into the nearby forest. In separate incidents, police apprehended two suspects linked to illegal stone mining.
The Kotwali police seized gravel and arrested Sonu Kashyap, son of Vishnu, a resident of Masalpur, along with a tractor-trolley loaded with stones near a GSS.
Similarly, the Mamachari police detained Bani Singh Gurjar (39), son of Jagannath, a resident of Mamachari, who was caught transporting illegal Cheja stones on a tractor-trolley near the Maholi liquor shop.
Cases have been filed under the relevant sections, and further investigation is ongoing. Police officials asserted that the campaign against illegal mining will persist with enhanced monitoring and coordinated efforts aimed at dismantling the mining mafia.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the stringent actions taken by the Karauli Police against illegal mining reflect a necessary step towards environmental preservation and legal enforcement. It is vital that such initiatives continue to protect our natural resources and dismantle the networks that threaten them.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the crackdown on illegal mining in Rajasthan?
The crackdown was initiated due to ongoing concerns about environmental degradation and illegal activities surrounding natural resource extraction.
What items were seized during the operation?
Authorities seized nearly 2,790 tonnes of gravel, explosives, heavy machinery, and various tools used in illegal mining.
What measures are being taken to prevent illegal mining in the future?
The police are implementing stricter monitoring and coordinated actions to dismantle the mining mafia.
