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Thenewsdose.com

Chandigarh, July 16,UPDATED:8.10PM 
In what the Haryana government has described as the “biggest crackdown” on illegal mining in the state’s history, over 860 FIRs have been registered, ₹10.69 crore in penalties imposed, and 1,186 vehicles involved in illicit mining activities seized during the first six months of 2025, according to officials.

The figures were released on Wednesday by the Haryana Police and the State Enforcement Bureau, highlighting a significant escalation in enforcement action compared to the previous year.

Sharp Spike in Enforcement Compared to 2024

Amitabh Singh Dhillon, Chief of the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, said the intensified drive from January 1 to July 10, 2025 marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to combat illegal mining. “In 2024, 684 FIRs were filed. In the first six months of 2025 alone, we have already crossed 860. The number of inspections has also increased sharply — from 3,039 sites last year to 3,733 so far this year,” Dhillon said. There has also been a notable improvement in the disposal of cases. “While 329 FIRs were disposed of in 2024, the number has already reached 445 in the first half of 2025,” he added.

Tougher Policing, Increased Arrests, Vehicle Seizures

Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur underscored the serious threat posed by illegal mining to the state’s ecological balance and rule of law.“Illegal mining not only damages the environment but also undermines governance. That’s why we’ve adopted a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. “All Commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been directed to take swift and uncompromising action against those involved.”

The data reflects this intensified approach. In 2024, 626 people were arrested in illegal mining cases. In 2025, the number has already climbed to 754 arrests, and vehicle seizures have gone up from 945 last year to 1,186 so far this year. Dhillon pointed out that the crackdown has struck at the core of the mining mafia’s operations. “This trend clearly shows that our enforcement teams have disrupted the logistics and networks supporting illegal mining,” he said.

Tech-Driven Surveillance, Special Raid Squads

To further bolster its efforts, the Enforcement Bureau has ramped up technology-based surveillance systems. Tools such as GPS tracking, drone surveillance, and dedicated raid teams are now part of the bureau’s operational arsenal. “These methods are helping not just in detecting illegal mining but also in intercepting and arresting culprits in real-time. The state government is committed to ensuring that natural resource use remains within the boundaries of law and ecological norms,” Dhillon noted.

Political Backing and CM’s Directives Behind Success

The campaign is being conducted under the clear directives of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has emphasized a no-nonsense approach to curbing illegal mining.“The Enforcement Bureau’s actions have been guided by the Chief Minister’s vision and firm instructions. This political will has made it possible to achieve such impactful results across all districts,” DGP Kapur said.

With arrests and seizures on the rise and enhanced monitoring mechanisms in place, the Haryana government appears determined to tighten the noose around illegal mining networks. Officials confirmed that fresh raids, data analytics, and inter-departmental coordination will continue in the coming months to sustain the pressure. “We are committed to protecting Haryana’s natural wealth. This is not just a law-and-order issue — it is about our environment, our future,” Dhillon said.