Taking strict action against the mining mafia, the Himachal Pradesh Police has stepped up efforts to check mineral smuggling by thoroughly checking the vehicles transporting minerals, aiming to prevent the illegal export of minerals and the loss of revenue to the state government.
A release by the office of Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh here today said that as many as 2099 challans for illegal mining were issued by the state Police during the year 2023 up to 21 April (2023) out of which 1679 challans were compounded and a fine of Rs 1,23,94,170 (Rs one crore 23 lakh 94 thousand one hundred and seventy) was collected from the violators. The remaining 420 challans were sent to courts. In this period, 12 cases of illegal mining were also registered in the state and the Police seized 94 vehicles involved in illegal mining.
The release said in the year 2024 up to 21 April, 44% more challans and 39.8% more fines have been collected in comparison to the corresponding period of 2023. As many as 3028 challans have been issued for illegal mining and a fine of Rs 1,73,33,245 (Rs one crore 73 lakh 33 thousand two hundred and forty-five has been collected from the violators by compounding 2480 challans, while the remaining 548 challans have been sent to the courts.
The Police registered 14 cases of illegal mining and seized 256 vehicles involved in illegal mining.
The highest fine amounting to Rs 42.39 lakh was collected from Chamba district where 995 challans were issued in this period, out of which 719 were compounded by the Police. This was followed by a fine collection of Rs 39.36 lakh in Baddi Barotiwala and Nalagarh industrial area (BBN), where 222 challans were made and 214 compounded.
“The Police Department is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring conservation of the natural resources of the state. We also aim to protect the environment, protect legitimate businesses and maintain the integrity of mining regulations in the state. We will continue to take strict action against any individual or group found involved in illegal mining activities,” said the release by the office of DGP, Himachal Pradesh.
“We urge the general public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining operations. Cooperation between the State Police and the public is vital in combating such illegal practices and preserving our environment for future generations,” the release said.
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