IEP Chandigarh, June 30
Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal said that the State Government has decided to utilize satellite imagery for the regular monitoring of mining activities in the state. Furthermore, all vehicles transporting mining materials from any mining contract area will be equipped with GPS.While presiding over the meeting of the state level task force committee here today, Mr. Kaushal emphasized the need to increase the number of check posts in sensitive areas where illegal mining poses a significant problem. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras should be considered. CCTV cameras should be installed at designated locations for parking the impounded vehicles involved in illegal mining, he added.Mr. Kaushal stated that a special team of officers should be formed at the district level to conduct regular checks and ensure the prevention of any form of illegal mining. In addition to tackling illegal mining, mining officials must also issue challans for overloaded vehicles.The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for strict monitoring and supervision of illegal mining in the districts. When apprehending illegal vehicles, it is crucial to ensure the immediate removal of any mined material being transported. Care should be taken in handling vehicles involved in illegal mining.The Chief Secretary said that regular monthly meetings of the district-level task force should be organized, and the minutes of these meetings should be uploaded onto the portal. Additionally, it is important to consistently monitor the e-Ravana portal, and the Excise and Taxation Department should also be involved in it.The Chief Secretary said that consistent and stringent measures are being implemented to combat illegal mining in the state. In the first quarter of the year 2023-24, 120 FIRs were filed for illegal mining, resulting in the impounding of 343 vehicles. A fine of over Rs. 2.35 crore has been collected from these offenders. During the previous year, 1349 vehicles involved in illegal mining were seized, and fines amounting to over Rs. 14.89 crore were recovered. In Nuh district 68 vehicles engaged in illegal mining were seized, and 23 FIRs were registered during the year 2022-23,. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras at stone crushers and screening plants has been made mandatory.During the meeting, Mr. Kaushal obtained a comprehensive report from officials regarding mining activities in, Dadri, Bhiwani, Khanak, Mahendragarh, and Panchkula etc. He also issued instructions to monitor the case of Belgarh in Yamunanagar in accordance with the directives of the NGT.Several senior officers, including Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Mr. Vineet Garg, ACS, Mines and Geology, Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta, and Principal Secretary, Transport, Mr. Navdeep Singh Virk, were present at the meeting. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
