Illegal Mining Crackdown in Patna.
Patna, December 8, 2024, Vikas Kumar Ojha: The night of December 7, 2024, witnessed the first-ever massive, high-octane raid in Patna against illegal mining and heavy-gross vehicles. A joint effort was made by the Superintendent of Police (West) Patna, Director of Mining, District Administration, and the Mining and Geology Department to combat the illegal mining activities.
Illegal mining has been the perennial bane of the state of Bihar in terms of causing irreparable damage to the environment, precious natural resources, and even freezing legitimate mining activities. The overloaded vehicles carrying minerals, most of which are operating without authorization, have become a threat to road safety, damaging infrastructure in many places. The district administration has gone ahead with the operation in in response to the above-intensifying issues.
The Campaign Kicks Off:
The campaign against illegal mining was launched with officials conducting extensive nighttime checking at various illegal mining sites. They worked with the police, mining department, and district administration, with a clear mandate to ensure that all operations of mining fell under the legal and operated manner. Thus, the main focus is to close down illegal mines as well as prevent further infrastructure damage by overloaded vehicles.
Role of Mining Department and Actions Initiated:
The Mining and Geology Department was instrumental in inspecting mines for actual permits and documentation, which led to the immediate suspension of illegal mining by taking legal measures against the perpetrators, seizing a number of overloaded vehicles, and fine tickets to the drivers concerned. The authorities warned them that repeat offenses would result in even harsher penalties.
