The Mandi police have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining, taking stringent action against individuals and vehicles involved in the unauthorised extraction of natural resources across the district.
Acting on the directions of Mandi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, the district police have conducted an extensive enforcement drive to curb illegal mining and safeguard the environment.
According to official data, from January 1 to May 21, the police issued 475 challans related to illegal mining activities. Of these, 103 were compoundable challans, resulting in the recovery of approximately Rs 1.55 lakh as compounding fee. Another 372 challans were presented before the court, while five criminal cases were registered during the period.
The SP said a large number of vehicles involved in illegal mining operations were identified during the campaign. These included 102 tippers, 85 tractors, 305 other vehicles and two JCB machines. In separate operations, 13 additional heavy vehicles were also seized. Police teams also confiscated illegally extracted sand and stone from various locations.
April recorded the highest enforcement activity, with 192 challans issued and nearly Rs 47,000 recovered as compounding fee during the month. The drive has continued with similar intensity in May, with 97 challans issued up to May 21.
Reiterating the district police’s commitment to curbing the menace, the SP said strict action against illegal mining would continue. He noted that illegal mining causes significant environmental degradation and poses threats to river ecosystems, public infrastructure and public safety. The police have appealed to residents to assist authorities by promptly reporting any suspected illegal mining activities so that natural resources can be protected effectively.
Officials described the ongoing campaign as one of the district’s most extensive enforcement drives against illegal mining in recent years.
