High-level panel formed to curb illegal mining in Nuh

A high-level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Gurugram Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Chandra Bidhan to take action against the illegal mining mafia operating in Nuh district. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations by both the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into rampant mining activities in the Ferozepur Jhirka region.

Nuh Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said the newly formed committee has been directed to identify the culprits within 10 days. “The offenders will be identified by June 30 and an affidavit will be filed in the Supreme Court before July 15,” he said.

Though the Supreme Court had ordered action against illegal mining in March, enforcement has so far failed to deter the mining mafia. The committee has now been tasked with enhancing vigilance in panchayats across the Aravalli region and recommending action not only against mining mafias but also against any complicit officials or employees.

“About 15 days ago, the ACB registered an FIR against officers and employees from the Forest, Mining and Geology and Revenue (Consolidation) departments for their alleged roles in illegal mining," DC Meena said. The outgoing sarpanch of Basai Meo village and known mining mafia elements have also been named in the FIR. The ACB is conducting a separate investigation into these charges.

Citing administrative challenges, DC Meena said, “There is a problem due to the mining department office being in Gurugram. A proposal has been sent to open a dedicated office in Nuh or Ferozepur Jhirka.”

To curb illegal mining in identified hotspots like Beewan, Basai Meo, Jhimrawat and Chittoda, the administration plans to set up police posts and install CCTV and drone surveillance. “ACB and anti-vehicle theft teams are also active in the affected areas. In this crackdown, whether it’s a political figure, a government officer, or a mining mafia, no one will be spared. The action will be intensified over the next 10-15 days to halt illegal mining and land grabbing,” Meena warned.

On June 18, Divisional Commissioner Bidhan, along with DC Meena, SDM Ashwani Kumar and other officials, conducted a field visit to Basai Meo and adjoining Aravalli hills. During the inspection, Bidhan emphasised the need to plant more trees in inaccessible hilly terrains to rehabilitate the degraded landscape.

Haryana Tribune