Why no action against senior officers in Aravalli mining case, HC asks Chief Secy
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chief Secretary to submit a fresh affidavit explaining why no action has been taken against senior officers above the rank of Mining Officers in connection with unlawful mining activities in the Aravalli region in the Dadam mining zone of Bhiwani district.
The court has also asked the state government to furnish a detailed map showing which parts of the Aravalli region are designated as ‘protected’ or ‘reserved forests’ and where mining is officially prohibited.
These directions were issued during the hearing of a public interest litigation (Rakesh Dalal vs. State of Haryana and Others) on May 8. The case involves allegations of large-scale illegal mining at Dadam village.
The government had granted the lease to operate the Dadam mines to M/s Sunder Marketing Associates from October 29, 2015, to November 22, 2017. Thereafter, the mines were put to fresh auction and the bid was accepted in favour of Goverdhan Mines and Minerals on October 11, 2018. Subsequently, on the basis of an application alleging violation of mining norms in the zone, the NGT had sought a detailed report by constituting a committee headed by a retired high court judge, Justice Pritam Pal.
However, even before the committee submitted its final report, the NGT took suo motu notice after an accident took place at the mining site on January 1, 2022, which led to the death of five persons. Later, the NGT imposed a fine on the firm and mining was closed down at Dadam zone. There has been a ban on mining in the Dadam zone till further orders.
The Chief Secretary, on January 27, informed the court about the disciplinary proceedings and chargesheet against officials of the Mines and Geology Department.
However, filing a counter affidavit to the complaint, the Chief Secretary disclosed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against 10 officers holding positions such as Mining Officer, Assistant Mining Engineer, and Mining Inspector, as per the order dated January 23, 2025. The court, however, said it remained unclear whether charge sheets had actually been issued against the officers.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, observed that considering the magnitude of the mining crater in question—as shown in photographs—it was unlikely that the excavation was carried out through lawful means. It said the element of unlawful mining was prima facie evident from the records. The matter has been adjourned to July 22 for further proceedings.
Haryana Tribune