Raj government increases penalties on vehicles used for illegal mining

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has announced to impose a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh on vehicles such as earth moving machines found involved in illegal mining. The penalty will be in addition to the fine for causing damage to the environment which could be up to Rs 1 lakh. The government has increased the penalty amount to curb illegal mining.

A penalty of Rs 1 will be imposed on tractors used in transporting illegally mined products. The penalty was earlier Rs 25,000. The penalty on dumpers and trucks will be increased to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 50,000. The penalty for earth moving machines have been increased to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.

“This amount excludes the fine of Rs 1 lakh which is paid to the National Green Tribunal for causing damage to the environment. The royalty amount is also not included. The amendments in the laws related to illegal mining will be made in order to enforce the increased penalties,” said a senior mining department officer.

The officer said that vehicles play a major role in illegal mining in the state. The increased penalty will help the government curb mining, he added.

Experts however said that it may also lead to increase in corruption.

The government was under pressure to take strict measures since the Rajasthan high court and the NGT asked it to take concrete steps to curb illegal mining. A high-powered committee under the supervision of Rajasthan mining and petroleum minister Pramod Jain Bhaya had been set up. The committee decided to increase the penalties.