- विज्ञापन -
Surendranagar [Gujarat]: A major crackdown was launched by the local Mines and Minerals Department, leading to the busting of extensive illegal carbocell mining on the outskirts of Chorvira village in Sayla taluka. Acting on specific intelligence, authorities seized minerals and equipment valued at approximately Rs 55 lakh.
Carbocell, a carbon-rich mineral found naturally in areas with lignite or low-grade coal deposits, is commonly mined in districts like Surendranagar and Bhavnagar for use as a fuel substitute in industries and brick kilns because of its combustible qualities. While not considered high-quality coal, carbocell still has significant commercial value due to its energy content. Unregulated illegal mining of carbocell has caused environmental damage, land disputes, and safety concerns.
The operation spanned nine locations and resulted in the confiscation of various equipment, including a dumper, six tractors, 18 spinning wheels and casings, four frames, along with a large quantity of the mineral. This crackdown signifies a strong move against unauthorized mineral extraction in the region.
Further details are awaited. Previously, in March, Gujarat Assembly opposition leader Amit Chavda raised concerns over widespread illegal carbocell mining in Surendranagar. The government responded by mentioning cases filed and wells sealed, but Chavda claimed that over 300 illegal leases existed in areas like Muli, Than, and Chotila. He also reported at least three deaths related to illegal mining, contradicting official reports of no fatalities, and called for stricter enforcement.
Last month, the Gujarat Geology Department also conducted a major raid near Chellowas-Anodiya in Mansa taluka, seizing sand and soil worth around Rs 1.7 crore and heavy machinery, including JCBs and a dumper. The operation aimed to curb illegal riverbed sand mining, although villagers pointed out that local police had neglected oversight for a long period.
In May, former BJP MP Dipsinh Rathod highlighted that nearly 75% of the sand in Sabarmati River had been depleted due to illegal mining activities. He accused authorities, including the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and local officials, of collusion and alleged that previous raids were superficial, involving only penalizing a few vehicles before prematurely ending operations.
