About 38 FIRs against illegal mining, transportation, and storage since January 2025, leading to the seizure of 30 vehicles—three by Zonal Officers, 14 by local police stations, and 13 by the District Mining Office. A fine of ₹3.34 lakh has been recovered so far.
For the financial year 2024-25, a total of 161 cases were registered, including 80 FIRs, with 183 vehicles seized and ₹46,03,500 recovered in fines from offenders. The District Mining Office was also directed to immediately auction 2,000 CFT of seized sand to prevent further illegal stockpiling.
In a decisive move to combat illegal mining and mineral transportation, the District Mining Task Force, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, held a high-level review meeting. The meeting, attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Kishore Kaushal, Forest Division Officer Saba Alam Ansari, SDM Dhalbhum Shatabdi Majumdar, Rural SP Rishabh Garg, and other key officials through video conferencing, emphasized stringent measures to curb unlawful activities in the sector.
During the meeting, the District Magistrate directed all Circle Officers (COs) and police station in-charges to intensify action against illegal mining operations across the district. He stressed the need for a coordinated crackdown on individuals involved in unauthorized mineral excavation, transportation, and storage. Authorities were instructed to verify and act upon complaints, particularly in border regions adjoining neighboring states, where illegal mineral transport is rampant.
To strengthen enforcement, the Mining Task Force was mandated to enhance its intelligence network, facilitating real-time information sharing among departments. Additionally, the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) was ordered to establish checkposts along identified mineral transportation routes, deploying magistrates, police officers, and security forces to ensure strict monitoring.
In addition to curbing illegal mining, the District Transport Officer (DTO) was instructed to launch a campaign against overloaded and unregistered vehicles. Authorities will ensure that no vehicle operates without proper documentation or number plates.
Furthermore, the Pollution Control Board has issued notices to 13 Bengal-based brick kiln operators, warning them of strict consequences for illegal operations. The factory inspector was also directed to verify crusher licenses to prevent unauthorized stone-crushing units from functioning within the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kishore Kaushal emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in border areas, where illegal transport of minerals is a persistent issue. Meanwhile, Forest Division Officer Saba Alam Ansari assured that the Forest Department is actively addressing illegal excavation cases within forest regions and taking swift action against violators.
The meeting saw participation from Sub-Divisional Officer Ghatsila, DTO, CMO, all COs, regional officers from the Pollution Control Board, factory inspectors, and all police station in-charges. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal mineral trade and enforcing stringent legal action against offenders, ensuring sustainable resource management in the district.
