Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday accused illegal mining operators in Haryana’s Aravalli region of causing widespread environmental damage and massive financial losses to the state. Speaking to the media, Surjewala said the “mining mafia” was openly looting public resources, destroying the Aravalli hills, and showing little concern for the environment. He claimed the state government, led by the BJP, had failed to stop the illegal activities despite repeated warnings and incidents of accidents.
The Rajya Sabha MP referred to a report by the Enforcement Directorate, which revealed that mining in the Dadum hills of the Aravalli range had caused both environmental harm and a loss of ₹1,200 crore to the government treasury. According to Surjewala, the destruction was happening under political protection, making it difficult for authorities to take strict action.
He highlighted that five people had previously died in a mining-related accident in the Tosham area, yet no effective measures were taken to prevent further tragedies. Surjewala also said that around 383 hectares of Aravalli hills in Charkhi Dadri district had already been damaged due to illegal mining.
Surjewala pointed out that local residents were living under constant stress because of mining operations. He said heavy machinery and trucks were operating day and night, creating loud noise, vibration, and dust pollution. Many homes were developing cracks, and people were reportedly experiencing tremors due to the continuous movement of vehicles and excavation activities. Despite repeated complaints, he charged, the authorities had not taken proper action.
The Congress leader criticised the state government for failing to protect the lives of residents and the environment. He said that such unregulated mining not only endangered human lives but also caused irreparable damage to hills, forests, and groundwater resources. Locals, he added, felt helpless as their protests and complaints were largely ignored.
Surjewala accused the BJP of turning a blind eye to illegal mining and alleged that the operations were continuing under political patronage. He argued that the government’s inaction was giving confidence to the mining mafia to continue exploiting the hills and public resources. According to him, strict monitoring and enforcement were needed to stop the mafia from looting further.
The Congress leader urged the state administration to take immediate steps to stop illegal mining and safeguard both the environment and the lives of residents. He suggested strict enforcement of laws, seizure of mining equipment being used illegally, and proper monitoring of all mining activities in the Aravalli region.
He also highlighted the broader consequences of illegal mining on the environment. The removal of topsoil and rocks from hills can lead to soil erosion, reduction in vegetation, and damage to the natural habitat of wildlife. Water sources in the area are also at risk as mining can disrupt groundwater recharge and pollute rivers and streams.
Surjewala called on the authorities to ensure transparency in granting mining permissions and to prosecute those involved in illegal activities. He stressed that protecting the Aravalli hills was not just about saving natural resources but also about ensuring public safety and the well-being of communities living nearby.
He concluded by urging the state government to take urgent action before the situation worsened. Surjewala warned that if illegal mining continued unchecked, the environmental and social costs would rise, making it difficult to restore the region in the future.
The Aravalli hills, which stretch across Haryana, Rajasthan, and other parts of northern India, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting groundwater, and preventing desertification. Surjewala emphasised that preserving these hills should be a priority for both the state and central governments to ensure sustainable development and protect communities from the dangers of unchecked mining.
In summary, Surjewala’s statement highlighted the environmental and human toll of illegal mining in Haryana, calling for urgent government action, better law enforcement, and protection of local communities and natural resources. The ongoing exploitation of the Aravalli hills, he warned, could have long-term consequences if not addressed immediately.
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