Chandigarh, February 02- Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar has refuted Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala’s claim that illegal mining is happening in 14 districts of the state with government support. He said these allegations are baseless. Congress leaders only spread falsehoods to mislead people.
Sh. Panwar stated that this is not the first time such baseless allegations have been made to damage the government’s image. He personally visited Pichopa Kalan in Charkhi Dadri and found no evidence of illegal mining there.
He said that some districts mentioned by Randeep Surjewala, like Kaithal, do not have any significant mines or minor minerals. Even in these areas, authorities are making continuous efforts to prevent illegal mining.
*Over 13,000 vehicles checked since January, 575 vehicles seized*
The Minister further said the department has already issued detailed instructions to the Deputy Commissioners regarding formulating a three-tier network including Naka/Police checkposts, flying squads to curb illegal mining. For example, 16 Police checkposts have already been set up in Yamunanagar.
Since January 2025, 13,282 vehicles have been checked, and 575 vehicles carrying mining material illegally or without e-Rawaana have been seized. Besides this, Deputy Commissioners have been directed to keep a strict watch, take immediate action against illegal mining and strengthen police checkpoints to curb such activities effectively. To further strengthen monitoring, the department has replaced the old e-Rawana system with the HMGIS portal developed by NIC, which fixes previous loopholes. The new system is now integrated with CCTV cameras and weighing scales to curb illegal mining.
*Task Forces actively working to prevent illegal mining*
Sh. Panwar said that strict actions are being taken against culprits, and the government is fully committed to stopping illegal mining. District-Level Task Forces (DLTF) and State-Level Task Forces (SLTF) have been set up to monitor illegal mining and the transportation of illegally mined minerals. DLTF teams have already been deployed and directed to conduct special investigation campaigns, focusing on mines, stone crushers, and screening plants set up near rivers.
Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the state government has constituted Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSENB) to curb illegal mining, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been finalized to ensure coordination between HSENB and other departments. He said law enforcement is being encouraged with the help of HSENB police and by involving local communities through gram panchayats. Besides this, the department has assigned Drone Imaging and Information Services Haryana Limited to conduct drone surveys of all active mining sites in the state.
A high-resolution satellite imagery report from HARSAC has been requested to monitor land surface changes in the Nuh, showcasing the state government’s commitment to stopping illegal mining.
