The Jaipur team of the Mines Department has carried out a major operation, detecting illegal mining and transportation of 55,300 tonnes of iron ore worth approximately ₹11 crore at Dudhwa.
Superintending Mining Engineer, Jaipur Shri N.S. Shaktawat said that the department had been receiving reports of illegal iron ore mining in the area. Acting on these inputs, the department decided to conduct a drone survey.
According to the drone survey report, the lessee had extracted 183,100 tonnes of iron ore within the mining lease area, while 238,400 tonnes had already been transported by misusing the “ravanna” (transport permit). This indicates that 55,300 tonnes of iron ore were illegally mined from elsewhere and transported, causing significant loss to government revenue.
Directions have been issued to the Mining Engineer, Jhunjhunu to take action and initiate recovery of royalty losses amounting to nearly ₹11 crore.
State Government Taking Strict Action on Illegal Mining
Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma has been consistently issuing strict directives against illegal mining during review meetings.
Principal Secretary (Mines) Shri T. Ravikant has emphasized the need for surprise inspections by forming teams from various regions.
In view of increasing complaints, the department conducted a surprise operation. Mines Director Shri Mahavir Prasad Meena formed multiple teams for on-ground inspections.
Earlier, on 8 September, Mining Engineer Jaipur Shri Shyam Kapri’s team caught a truck illegally transporting iron ore in Bhankrota, Jaipur. Following this, the department formed confidential teams with officials from other regions to conduct surprise inspections.
Under the direction of Superintending Mining Engineer Shri N.S. Shaktawat and Vigilance Officer Shri Pratap Meena, the team recently conducted midnight patrolling in Khetri and Neem Ka Thana areas of Jhunjhunu.
At Rela (Neem Ka Thana), the team seized 13 dumpers involved in illegal transportation of masonry stone and handed them over to Pawta Police Station.
The team also brought Kalakota (Neem Ka Thana) under investigation due to suspected illegal iron ore mining disguised as masonry stone extraction.
Earlier, midnight patrols were also conducted in Mehra, Jamalpura, Tyounda, Ramkunwarpura and Sihod areas of Khetri.
Drone Survey of 27 Crusher Stockyards in Chotiya, Kotputli
Shri N.S. Shaktawat said that as part of the continuing investigation in and around Rela, the department has decided to conduct a drone survey at 27 crushers located in the Chotiya area of Kotputli.
He stated that once the drone data is analyzed, strict action will be taken if illegal mining, transportation, or unauthorized stock is detected.
He reiterated that the State Government is taking firm steps against illegal mining activities.
