The Rajasthan government has formed six special task forces to stop illegal gravel mining, transportation and storage in the state. The decision was announced on Thursday, November 5, to protect the Jojari, Bandi and Luni river basins. The teams will monitor mining activities, check rule violations and take strict action against those involved in illegal mining. The government has also directed officials to follow environmental rules and court guidelines.Key HighlightsRajasthan government forms six task forces to stop illegal gravel mining.The teams will work in Sirohi, Sojat City, Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur and Gotan.Mining beyond the allowed depth of three metres will face strict action.Officials will check illegal mining, transport and storage of gravel.Rajasthan Forms Six Task Forces for Mining ChecksThe Rajasthan government has taken a major step to control illegal gravel mining. Six separate task forces have been formed to monitor mining activities in different areas.Additional Chief Secretary for Mines and Petroleum, Aparna Arora, shared details about the new teams.She said the task forces must follow the rules given by the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee, the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).The teams will work in six locations. These include Sirohi, Sojat City, Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur and Gotan.Their main job will be to check mining sites and ensure that gravel is taken out only by following the approved rules.Three-Metre Mining Limit Must Be FollowedThe government has given clear instructions about how gravel mining should take place.Mining leaseholders must follow the environmental clearance conditions. They must not extract gravel beyond the allowed depth of three metres.The teams will also check whether mining companies maintain the required distance from riverbanks. They will look for illegal mining below the water surface.Officials will visit mining areas regularly. They will inspect sites, record violations and prepare reports.If any person or company breaks the rules, the teams will take suitable action.The government wants to protect rivers and reduce damage caused by unsafe mining activities.Strict Action Against Illegal Gravel Transport and StorageThe task forces will not only check mining sites. They will also monitor the transportation and storage of gravel.Illegal mining can harm river areas and affect the natural flow of water. It can also damage the land around riverbanks.The Rajasthan government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining.The teams have been asked to follow the Government of India's Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020.These guidelines help officials monitor mining work and prevent illegal activities.The government has also given the task forces powers to take action under Section 23B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. They can also use the relevant rules of the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017.Mining Task Forces to Include Special OfficersEach task force will be led by an Assistant Mining Engineer-level officer.The team will also include a geologist, a mining foreman and a surveyor. Officials and staff from other government departments will also join these teams.This arrangement will help improve monitoring and make the checking process more effective.The Additional Director (Vigilance) at the department headquarters has been appointed as the Nodal Officer. This officer will coordinate the work of all six task forces.Rajasthan Government Warns Officials Against NegligenceAdditional Chief Secretary Aparna Arora has directed all officers and team members to follow the rules carefully.She said that strict action must be taken whenever violations are found. She also made it clear that negligence or carelessness by any official would not be accepted.The new task forces are expected to improve checks on gravel mining in Rajasthan. Their work will focus on protecting river basins, stopping illegal activities and ensuring that mining takes place within the permitted limits.The government aims to make mining activities more transparent and protect the environment through regular inspections and strong enforcement.
