Mines ministry asks states to step up efforts to curb illegal mining

Wants states to submit quarterly reports to IBM

The Ministry of Mines, in a bid to further step up joint efforts to curb illegal mining, has asked state governments to regularly share information with it on the measures taken by them.

Besides, the ministry at its recent meeting with the mineral rich states, also asked them to maintain a database giving  details of a slew of actions initiated by them in this regard.

The ministry also emphasised the need for the submission of quarterly reports by states to the Indian Bureau of Mines on the state of illegal mining and measures taken by them to deal with the issue.

According to the ministry’s compilation, during 2010-11, a total of 78,198 cases of illegal mining were reported in 20 states, 96,404 in 2011-12 and 98,597 in 2012-13. States have realised fines worth Rs 943.54 crore while 1,46,544 vehicles were seized and 8,442 first information reports against illegal mining were registered during 2010-11 and 2012-13.

Ministry sources told Business Standard that the recent new initiatives taken, especially by states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat to effectively tackle illegal mining were discussed at the meeting held on September 10. “The government of Rajasthan has created a dedicated 500-strong police force in the state for the prevention of illegal mining. The ministry has called upon other states to emulate the Rajasthan model,” sources informed.

Moreover, the ministry also acknowledged the Maharashtra government’s move to use satellite imagery to check illegal mining. The Odisha government proposes to set up a special cell to monitor and regulate mining activities.

Besides, the Gujarat government has launched a special drive to track the vehicles used for transporting ore/minerals through the use of global positioning system. On the other hand, the Chhattisgarh government has delegated powers to panchayats to check and curb illegal mining. Panchayats also enjoy powers to grant mining leases of sand.