Rajasthan to Launch Massive Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Across Aravalli Districts

Jaipur, Dec 2025 : Acting on directives from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan government will launch a large-scale joint operation targeting illegal mining, transportation, and storage activities across 20 districts of the Aravalli mountain range from December 29, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against unlawful mining practices.

The operation will be carried out in a coordinated manner by the Mines, Revenue, Police, Transport, and Forest departments under the supervision of district collectors. Chief Minister Sharma, who chaired a joint meeting of the Mines and Forest departments on Saturday, issued clear instructions for strict enforcement and visible results on the ground.

Emphasising an “action mode” approach, Sharma directed officials to take decisive measures against illegal mining and ensure that activities are curbed at the source. Rajasthan Principal Secretary of the Mines Department, T. Ravikant, held discussions with senior mining engineers at the Secretariat, reiterating the Chief Minister’s instructions that illegal mining must be completely eradicated from the state.

According to Ravikant, the campaign will comprehensively cover unlawful extraction, transportation, and storage of mined materials. The initiative will operate under the guidance of district collectors, ensuring close inter-departmental coordination. Special Investigation Team (SIT) meetings will be convened immediately under the chairmanship of the district collectors to plan and oversee the campaign.

Officials have been instructed that enforcement should go beyond intercepting illegal transport. They must identify sources and operational sites of illegal mining to address the problem at its roots. “Districts severely affected by illegal mining will have vulnerable hotspots identified, where strict action, including seizure of machinery, will be undertaken,” Ravikant added.

The campaign will be closely monitored from the Udaipur headquarters and by the Mines Department at the state level. Accountability measures have been put in place, with officers held responsible for any lapses or negligence. Clear orders have been issued that no leniency will be tolerated and that strict legal action must be implemented in every instance of illegal mining activity.

Officials have also been directed to publicise the enforcement measures through media channels, sending a strong message about the government’s firm stance against illegal mining. The coordinated effort is expected to not only curb illicit operations but also create awareness among the public and deter future violations.

This intensive drive marks one of the most extensive anti-illegal mining operations undertaken in Rajasthan, signalling the government’s commitment to protecting the Aravalli region and ensuring sustainable and lawful use of natural resources.

Team Maverick