Haryana Mines Department Imposes ₹1.37 Crore Penalty on Illegal Mining Violators
The Haryana Mines and Geology Department has imposed a penalty of ₹1.37 crore on violators across the state. This crackdown is part of a larger initiative launched in January 2025, targeting illegal mining practices that are threatening the region’s natural resources. The department conducted inspections at 3,950 locations throughout Haryana, seizing 324 vehicles involved in illegal activities.
In line with the government’s strategy to curb illegal mining, regular inspections have been carried out in every district across Haryana. The district of Yamunanagar has been one of the focal points of the crackdown, with the Mines Department registering 116 first information reports (FIRs) related to illegal mining activities. In addition to these reports, 123 vehicles were seized in Yamunanagar alone during January and February 2025. The focus on Yamunanagar comes in response to complaints about illegal mining operations in the Bhagwanpur area. During an inspection, the department discovered that boulders, gravel, sand, and ordinary soil were being illegally mined across two acres of land. As a result, a hefty penalty of ₹65.37 lakh was imposed, and an FIR was filed against the violators on February 11.
In order to improve the efficiency of enforcement and monitoring, the Haryana Mines Department has incorporated the use of advanced technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. These drones allow authorities to monitor large areas of land for any signs of illegal mining activities that may be difficult to detect during traditional inspections. The use of drones is part of a broader effort to modernise the department’s enforcement strategies and ensure a more proactive approach to controlling illegal mining. A spokesperson for the department commented, “We are committed to ensuring the conservation of our natural resources, and we will not spare anyone involved in illegal mining activities. Our enforcement measures will be further strengthened to prevent such violations, with the use of cutting-edge technology and increased inspections.”
Illegal mining is a significant concern for Haryana, with various districts witnessing growing cases of unauthorised excavation of minerals and resources. The environmental consequences of illegal mining can be devastating, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and irreversible damage to local ecosystems. As the state continues to grapple with these issues, the department’s crackdown aims to safeguard the environment and protect the region’s rich mineral reserves for future generations. Illegal mining is also a serious economic issue, as it affects the state’s regulated mining industry and causes revenue losses. In response to these ongoing challenges, Haryana’s Mines and Geology Department has committed to pursuing stricter enforcement, alongside offering educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of legal and sustainable mining practices.
The recent actions of the Haryana Mines Department are a step in the right direction, but the battle against illegal mining is ongoing. With the use of drones and other surveillance technologies, officials hope to tighten their grip on violators and reduce illegal mining activities in the state. The department has made it clear that it will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal mining, with stringent legal actions to deter violators. For now, the Haryana government remains resolute in its efforts to preserve the state’s natural resources and ensure that all mining activities are carried out within the boundaries of the law, encouraging sustainable practices while enforcing strict penalties for those who violate regulations.
