During the state-wide joint campaign against illegal mining, initiated on the directives of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma from January 15 to January 31, 2024, swift action has been taken for the disposal of confiscated minerals in various locations across the state. The Mining Secretary, Anandi, revealed that approximately 2.5 lakh metric tons of minerals were seized throughout the campaign. Concerned about the possibility of theft or misappropriation of confiscated minerals, auctioning and recovery procedures have been promptly initiated by field officers during the campaign. Anandi further reported that auctioning and recovery procedures for seized minerals have commenced in another area as well.
Various cases are being pursued for penalty collection in different instances. Prompt action is essential to prevent theft or unauthorized use of the seized minerals. In this regard, specific directives have been issued to promptly conduct operations.
Mines Director Dr. Prajna Kevalramani highlighted that most cases involve materials such as gravel, masonry stone, grit, China clay, granite, murram, brick earth, silica sand, gypsum, feldspar, quartz, limestone, soapstone, marble chips, and more. The progress of mineral disposal is being regularly reviewed at the headquarters along with adherence to the necessary disposal guidelines.
The regular review of the disposal progress and the initiation of auctioning and recovery processes at numerous locations signify a comprehensive approach in addressing the issue of illegal mining. The crackdown on illegal transportation of minerals and strict actions against unauthorized storage during the campaign have resulted in seizures. The related police stations have been handed over confiscated materials for proper documentation.
It’s noteworthy that the campaign also targeted illegal storage of minerals along with unauthorized vehicles. Confiscated materials have been handed over to relevant police stations during the seizure process, ensuring that seized minerals are not subjected to irregularities such as theft or misappropriation.
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