Following the National Green Tribunal’s directives aimed at preserving the Aravalli region and halting illicit mining operations, District Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav announced the commencement of a comprehensive plan. A meeting convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s office focused on safeguarding the impacted areas of the Aravalli and restoring their original ecological state.
Yadav emphasized the adverse effects resulting from unauthorized mining and soil excavation in the Aravalli mountain range, disrupting its natural equilibrium. To restore the area, the NGT had previously issued guidelines, leading to the formation of a district-level committee overseen by the DC to rejuvenate the regions affected by mining in the Aravalli belt. District Forest Officer Rajiv Tejyan presented the plan during the session chaired by the DC.
The proposed plan entails deploying drones for surveillance in the Aravalli area and considering the deployment of Home Guards. Specifically affected zones due to illicit mining, such as Gairatpur Bas, Kadar Pur, Baliyawas, and Rithoj, have been identified. Access through common pathways in these zones will be restricted. Moreover, there are plans to sow indigenous plant seeds for reforestation and install warning signboards to deter soil or stone excavation. Strict measures will be taken against any machinery or vehicles found in these restricted areas.
During the meeting, DC Nishant Kumar Yadav emphasized the need for regular inspections in mining areas to prevent unauthorized activities. District Mining Officer Anil Kumar reported imposing fines of Rs. 6.30 lakhs on four overloaded vehicles. Regional Pollution Control Board Officer Vijay Chaudhary outlined the implementation of an e-way bill system for trucks entering these checkpoints to ensure thorough documentation of vehicles and their loading activities.
