In a recent operation, authorities in Gandhinagar district have taken action against illegal mining activities along the Sabarmati River. The operation was led by Collector Mehul K. Dave, who directed teams to monitor and prevent unlawful extraction of minerals, especially during the rainy season. The district geological team has been vigilant at various checkpoints around the area. They aim to ensure no unwanted incidents occur due to illegal mining operations.
On July 3, 2025, teams from the assistant geological office seized three tractors engaged in unauthorized mining in the Indroda-Shahpur area. The tractor owners, identified as Ajay Jayantibhai Vanzara, were caught in the act of excavating riverbed minerals. The total value of the seized materials is estimated at approximately 1.10 crore rupees.
The crackdown did not stop there. Additional vehicles were intercepted, including a dumper operating without a royalty pass. Vehicles were stopped at various checkpoints, including the Uvarsad-Vavol road and the Chiloda checkpoint, where further illegal transportation of minerals was detected. Authorities have confirmed the seizure of six vehicles in total during this operation.
Collector Dave emphasized the importance of legal action against illegal mining, especially in sensitive areas like riverbeds. He noted that the water levels have been rising, increasing the risk of illegal activities. Preventing these actions is not just about stopping illegal miners; it is also about protecting the environment and maintaining public safety.
In addition to the immediate actions taken, the geological office will also pursue penalties against those involved. This includes charging fines and enforcing regulations under the Gujarat Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules of 2017. Authorities hope that strict enforcement will deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities in the future.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Gandhinagar district administration to combat illegal mining, which poses significant threats to local ecosystems and public safety. The authorities are committed to ensuring that regulations are followed and that the environment is protected from unlawful exploitation.
As operations continue, the district team will remain vigilant, conducting regular checks to prevent any further illegal mining activities. The community is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to help maintain the integrity of the region’s natural resources.
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