DSP killing puts illegal mining back in focus

• Murder of Haryana police DSP during an inspection to check illegal stone mining has again put the spotlight on ‘mining mafia’, which continues to thrive despite plenty of FIRs, arrests, fines and vehicle seizures.

Illegal mining problem

• Illegal quarrying of stones from Aravallis in Nuh and neighbouring locations of is a persistent problem for authorities.
• It is more prevalent in South Haryana districts.
• Overloaded dumpers from neighbouring states like Rajasthan or hilly areas in Aravallis quarry stones and drop them in crusher zones.
• Between 2019 and March 2022, 2,400 vehicles involved in mining activities in South Haryana region were seized.

Steps taken by State government

• Satellite imagery is used for regular monitoring of mining in the state.
• All vehicles carrying mining material will be equipped with GPS.
• Illegal mining includes illegal transportation of mined material.
• Such vehicles are confiscated by Mines and Geology Department as well as police.
• Identify sensitive areas prone to illegal mining and special teams of officers should regularly inspect these areas.