Leaseholder fined 71 crore for illegal quartz mining operations

Jaipur: A special team from the Udaipur mining department has uncovered extensive illegal quartz stone mining operations in Bundi district'`s Pagara region, leading to the imposition of a hefty penalty of nearly Rs 71 crore on the violator. The surprise inspection, prompted by persistent complaints from residents of the Hindoli region, revealed major irregularities in mining operations.

A mining department official said, "During the inspection, the team discovered that the leaseholder had extracted approximately 1,72,000 tonnes of quartz stone from outside the designated lease area. Additionally, 1,70,000 tonnes were transported without valid permits (ravannas) and another 1,73,000 tonnes were supplied in violation of existing regulations."

The violations were severe, including the failure to produce mandatory environmental clearance documentation, said a mining department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The crusher operation was immediately shut down following the inspection.

This is not an isolated incident in the region. Similar violations were detected during a surprise inspection in 2023, following public complaints. Locals have consistently protested against these illegal activities, submitting numerous memorandums to both the Hindoli sub-division and Bundi district administration.

The Bundi mining department has now issued a notice to the leaseholder, who has been given 15 days to respond.