In the Aravalli hills along the Rajasthan–Haryana border in Nuh district, the sound of JCB machines and blasts has become frequent, with residents now taking matters into their own hands.
Why are villagers in Nuh digging up roads with JCBs?
Panchayats in several border villages of Nuh district have started digging up village access roads to stop the alleged movement of illegal mining vehicles operating in the Aravalli hills during the night. Villagers from Chharora, Silakho, Panchgaon and nearby areas claimed that tractor-trolleys transporting illegally mined stones have become active again after sunset.
In Chila village, local residents and panchayat representatives reportedly used JCB machines to block routes allegedly being used by the mining mafia to access hill areas falling under the Tauru Sadar police station limits. Police teams were later called to the spot after tensions escalated.
What allegations are made by residents against the mining mafia?
Residents alleged that illegal stone extraction has intensified in recent weeks, particularly during late-night hours. According to the villagers, mining operators carry out blasting in the Aravalli hills under the cover of darkness and transport stones through internal village roads until early morning.
Locals claimed that the constant movement of heavy tractor-trolleys has damaged village roads and disrupted daily life. Several residents also alleged that loud explosions from hill blasting create panic in nearby villages at night.
The villagers further claimed that illegally mined stones are being supplied to unauthorised construction sites, farmhouses and crusher units operating in the nearby regions.
What action have the police taken?
The police officials said surveillance and monitoring have been intensified in vulnerable villages under the Tauru Sadar police station jusrisdiction, including Chharora, Silakho and Panchgaon.
The officials stated that strict action would be taken if illegal mining or transportation of illegally extracted material is detected during inspections. However, villagers alleged that despite periodic crackdowns, such activities continue to resurface in the Aravalli belt.
Why is illegal mining in the Aravallis a major concern?
The resurgence of illegal mining has once again raised concerns over environmental degradation and law enforcement challenges in Haryana’s Aravalli region. Environmentalists have repeatedly warned that unchecked mining weakens fragile hill ecosystems, damages groundwater recharge zones and accelerates land degradation.
The latest allegations have also highlighted the growing influence of mining operators in the border villages, where local residents now appear to be taking direct action to stop the alleged operations themselves.
