Intensifying the campaign against the illegal extraction of minerals, the Yamunanagar Mining Department and local police have challaned seven vehicles involved in the unauthorized transportation of sand and stones. The joint operation was conducted in the early hours of Saturday in several sensitive zones known for mining activities, including [Omitted – likely Pratap Nagar or Tajewala areas].
The Operation Details The enforcement teams set up specialized checkpoints (nakas) following reports of increased illegal movement under the cover of darkness.
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The Seizures: During the raid, five tractor-trolleys and two heavy dumpers were intercepted.
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The Violation: The drivers were unable to produce valid “e-Rawana” permits or royalty slips required for the transportation of mined materials. Some vehicles were also found to be overloaded, posing a significant risk to road safety and local infrastructure.
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The Fines: The Mining Officer confirmed that the vehicles have been challaned under the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, and Sale Rules. The total fine amount is estimated to be in the lakhs, as per the current penalty structures for unauthorized mineral movement.
Action Against Overloading Apart from mining violations, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) was also involved in the crackdown. The vehicles were found to be violating the permissible weight limits. “Illegal mining and overloading go hand-in-hand. By tightening the grip on these vehicles, we are not only protecting the state’s revenue but also preventing damage to our rural roads,” a senior official stated.
Ongoing Vigilance The Yamunanagar administration has warned that such raids will continue sporadically to deter the “mining mafia.”
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Drone Surveillance: The department is considering the use of drones to monitor riverbed areas that are difficult for ground teams to access.
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Police Escorts: To ensure the safety of mining officials who often face resistance during raids, specialized police escorts have been assigned for night operations.
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Blacklisting: Repeat offenders face the risk of having their vehicle registrations canceled and being blacklisted from any future mining-related tenders or contracts.
Local residents have often complained about the dust and noise pollution caused by these illegal convoys, and many have welcomed the recent surge in enforcement actions.
