Deputy Commissioner Preeti directs intensified enforcement, stricter action against offenders and closer inter-departmental coordination

Yamunanagar |RamaKaushik

The Yamunanagar district administration has intensified its drive against illegal mining, with 62 vehicles seized during enforcement operations while generating ₹2.55 crore in mining revenue for the state, officials said during a high-level review meeting on Thursday.

Chairing the meeting at the District Secretariat, Deputy Commissioner Preeti directed officials from the Mining Department, Police, Revenue, Transport, Irrigation and Panchayati Raj departments to strengthen surveillance and conduct regular inspections to curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. District Mining Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar informed the meeting that mining operations in the district had generated ₹2.55 crore in government revenue, while enforcement agencies had confiscated 62 vehicles allegedly involved in illegal mining activities. Emphasising the government’s zero-tolerance policy, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to ensure that every vehicle caught transporting illegally mined material is challaned, seized and processed under the relevant legal provisions. She also directed authorities to investigate cases involving fake e-Ravana (electronic transit permits) and register FIRs wherever violations are detected. Preeti stressed that all documents related to seized vehicles should be thoroughly verified to facilitate effective legal action against offenders. She also asked police officers to increase vigilance at sensitive locations, strengthen mobile enforcement teams and ensure coordinated action among all departments.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) to initiate legal proceedings against anyone carrying out illegal mining on Panchayat land and asked village sarpanches to remain vigilant against unauthorised excavation.

She further directed the Irrigation Department to monitor mining activities in riverbed areas, while the Pollution Control and Excise & Taxation Departments were asked to take action against closed stone crushers and screening plants operating in violation of regulations. Calling for better coordination among departments, Preeti said effective information sharing and timely enforcement would significantly strengthen the district’s efforts to curb illegal mining and protect natural resources.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, SDMs of Jagadhri, Bilaspur, Chhachhrauli and Radaur, DSP Rajat Gulia, District Mining Officer Dr Rajesh Kumar, DDPO Narender Kumar, police officials and representatives of the Transport, Irrigation, Pollution Control and other concerned departments.

POD/DESK