Ajitabh Sharma, Principal Secretary of Industries & Commerce and Mines & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan, has issued directives to all District Collectors urging them to convene immediate meetings of District Level Committees.
These meetings are crucial for coordinating efforts to combat illegal mining activities effectively. Sharma emphasized the need for seamless coordination between concerned departments to curb illegal mining, transportation, and storage across the state. The directive comes amidst rising concerns over unauthorized mining practices, with 16 FIRs already registered out of 130 reported cases.
District Collectors have been instructed to lead the District Level Committees, formed specifically to address illegal mining activities. Additionally, they are empowered to establish Special Investigation Teams (SIT) as per the 2018 order to tackle illegal mining, transportation, and storage of gravel. Sharma emphasized the importance of regularly updating the State Government on committee proceedings and ensuring continuous coordination.
In a concerted effort to combat illegal mining, Sharma has also written to the Police Commissioners of Jaipur and Jodhpur, as well as all Superintendents of Police, urging their cooperation and coordination in enforcing actions against illegal mining activities.
Furthermore, Sharma clarified the jurisdictional responsibilities, noting that the Forest Department is authorized to act in forest land, while the Revenue Department handles Khatedari land. FIRs can be lodged by these departments for illegal mining activities in RICO and UIT areas. The Mines Department is actively addressing complaints and has initiated a campaign resulting in 130 registered cases and 16 FIRs. These include cases of illegal mining, transportation, and storage of gravel and other minerals.
Bhagwati Prasad Kalal, Director of Mines & Geology, Rajasthan Government, reported that the ongoing campaign against illegal mining is yielding positive outcomes. The government has deployed monitoring teams across various regions to intensify investigations and enforcement. These teams have been granted authority under specific rules to take necessary actions beyond their regular scope of work.
Continuous monitoring is being conducted by 27 teams across key areas, ensuring swift responses to any complaints related to illegal mining activities. PR Ameta, Additional Director of Vigilance, Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Rajasthan has been appointed as the monitoring in-charge at the headquarters level, overseeing the actions taken by the investigative teams.
The concerted efforts by the Rajasthan Government underscore its commitment to curbing illegal mining activities and ensuring the sustainable management of mineral resources in the state.
