Following the recent transfer of Additional Collector and Mineral Department in-charge Jyoti Sharma, reports of illegal mineral transportation have once again begun surfacing across Indore district. In rural parts of the district, overloaded dumpers carrying minerals can be seen moving freely on highways—many of them reportedly without registration numbers, raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight.
The situation has further escalated with Indore Mining Department in-charge Jaideep Namdev currently on leave, leaving the charge in the hands of Mining Inspector Alok Agarwal, who recently assumed the post for the second time in Indore.
According to sources, Alok Agarwal previously served as Mining Inspector in Indore a few years ago before being transferred to Ujjain. He has now returned to Indore following another transfer from Ujjain, which has sparked speculation among citizens and activists. Many are questioning the rationale behind his re-posting in the same district, suggesting a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Locals allege that since Agarwal resumed charge, there has been a visible spike in illegal mineral transportation activities, particularly in areas that were previously under tighter control. Several residents have expressed concern over the loss of government revenue, which they estimate to be in the lakhs of rupees daily, due to the unregulated movement of minerals.
The issue has raised eyebrows over the enforcement efficiency of the Mining Department, especially given the department's failure to curb the operation of unregistered, overloaded dumpers. Citizens are demanding strict monitoring, immediate intervention, and a formal inquiry into the reasons behind the repeated transfer of officials to the same region.
As the illegal transport continues unchecked, the state government is under pressure to respond with corrective measures and restore order in the district's mineral regulation framework.