Cracking Down on Illegal Mining: Rajasthan's Battle for Aravalli's Ecology

Rajasthan has recorded 2,096 illegal mining cases across the Aravalli region over five years, as per data tabled in the Lok Sabha. During this period, authorities filed 3,224 FIRs and collected Rs 248 crore in penalties. Bhilwara district reported the highest number of violations, while Jaipur and Tonk also witnessed significant illegal mining activities.

The state has implemented measures such as deploying Border Home Guards at mineral check-posts, GPS and RFID tracking of transport vehicles, and amending mining regulations to curb these activities. Additionally, the government has introduced the M-Sand Policy 2024 to address the demand-supply gap for riverbed sand.

To restore ecological balance, the Aravalli Green Wall Project is underway, aiming to rehabilitate the landscape through various government initiatives and community involvement. The Aravalli range acts as a key ecological buffer, but issues like deforestation and mining are threatening its stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)