Authorities in Rajasthan have ramped up their fight against illegal mining, hauling in 90 suspects during an intensive 15-day operation. The statewide sweep aims to reclaim control over valuable deposits amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and revenue losses.
Special squads, equipped with advanced tech, raided over 50 locations, from dusty ravines to hillside pits. Seized haul includes crushers, generators, and enough ore to fill Olympic-sized pools. Monetary penalties totaling Rs 75 crore have already been levied.
Interrogations are peeling back layers of corruption, implicating transporters and middlemen in a vast nexus. The mining secretary emphasized community involvement: “Tips from locals have been invaluable in pinpointing these hideouts.”
Beyond arrests, efforts focus on site restoration—planting native species and building check dams to revive water tables. This holistic approach addresses root causes, promising long-term gains for agriculture-dependent villages.
As monsoon season nears, officials warn of stricter vigilance to prevent flood-exploiting gangs. The campaign’s success could swell state coffers by crores annually, funding infrastructure and green initiatives. Rajasthan’s bold stance may set a precedent for India’s mineral-rich regions.