Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Illegal Mineral Transport, 400 Vehicles Penalized

The Directorate of Geology and Mining in Uttar Pradesh has launched a major initiative to combat the illegal transportation of minerals, leading to penalties for over 400 vehicles. This operation, conducted over a span of three days, was spearheaded by Director Mala Srivastava in response to increasing concerns about revenue loss and rampant mining activities.

Teams comprising officials from the mining department and local police undertook surprise inspections along key highways and transportation corridors. More than 5,000 trucks and dumpers were stopped and scrutinized for compliance with legal requirements, including valid permits and adherence to prescribed loading limits. The results were striking, with firm actions taken against numerous offenders for violations ranging from overloading to inadequate documentation.

During this intensive campaign, the administration successfully recovered fines totaling approximately one crore fifty lakh rupees from non-compliant transporters. The crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing mining regulations and protecting state resources.

Key Findings of the Operation

The operation revealed significant issues, particularly in districts such as Sonbhadra and Jalaun, where the highest number of vehicle seizures occurred. These areas are known for their mineral wealth, highlighting the scale of illegal activities. In a decisive move, seven formal police cases were filed against individuals found to be in serious violation of state mining laws, aiming to dismantle the operations of local mining mafias.

To prevent future violations, Director Srivastava has mandated that no vehicle transporting minerals may enter the state’s borders without a valid interstate transit pass. This directive is part of a broader strategy to enhance compliance with mining regulations and curb illegal activities in the region.

The crackdown serves as a clear warning to those engaged in unlawful mining practices, reinforcing the administration’s resolve to safeguard state resources and maintain order in the mineral transport sector.