Irreversible damage to the Aravallis due to illegal mining has gained momentum in the past few years, aided by hi-tech machinery, explosives and better road connectivity, causing huge losses to the states along the belt.
Public representatives and police in Rajasthan, Haryana and the National Capital Region accept that unauthorised quarrying is flourishing across the mountain range, though they cite lack of resources – human and technical – as a huge stumbling block to curb the practice.
The extent of illegal mining can be gauged from the fact that 231 cases have been registered so far this year in just one district (Alwar) of Rajasthan. "We have confiscated trucks, dumpers, tractor trolleys along with illegally mined materials and arrested 225 people," a district official told DNA.
MLA Rajendra Singh Yadav, who represents Kotputli in Rajasthan, said use of technology can rein in unscrupulous elements. "To illegally mine stones, one cannot just go to hills and pry out rocks as that would immediately raise suspicion.
"Illegal mining thrives under the cover of legally approved mining," he said.
The lawmaker said the government should prepare detailed maps with the help of GPS and keep corroborating the data at regular intervals. "This would tell us where the activities are taking place so that efforts can be focused for better results. What is lost is lost, but one can always start afresh and save what we have."
Transportation of the illegally mined stones takes place at night with the help of locals, said a police officer in Kotputli. "For locals, the areas are in the back of their mind. They help the stone mafia evade cops stationed on highways," the officer said.
With the Supreme Court acting tough on Rajasthan, sources said, the players will now move elsewhere. "Those behind such activities would want to shift their base to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. We can only monitor the situation and report such activities to our inspectors and the police, but it is not practically possible to chase the goons every day," an official from Haryana mining department told DNA.
DNA visited Faridabad where illegal mining and construction activities were rampant until the top court brought its gavel down on the organised crime. A local police officer said, "The best failsafe in such a situation is to monitor each and every truck and commercial vehicles ferrying stones. Better monitoring can ensure timely action against mining mafia, which is critical to preventing the crime." Even the crusher units need to be inspected regularly so as to find out if illegally mined stones are reaching there, the officer added.
Notably, till 2015, mining was completely banned in southern Haryana, particularly in three districts of Gurugram, Faridabad and Mewat. The ban was in effect since early 2002. However, relief was provided in 205 and mining resumed in certain pockets with restricted licences. "A permit has to be taken before mining of stones is initiated. The licence of a crusher unit has to be renewed every year," said Azad Singh, a crusher unit owner at Pali near Faridabad.
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