Illegal mining is a significant issue in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, with activities targeting resources like sand, stones, and gravel. These operations not only violate regulations but also have severe environmental and socio-economic repercussions. The region’s lush landscapes and water bodies are at risk due to unchecked mining practices, which the local administration and police are striving to address.
Impact of Illegal Mining
- Environmental Degradation
- Deforestation: Unregulated mining activities lead to the clearing of forested areas, disrupting biodiversity and threatening native flora and fauna.
- Soil Erosion: Excessive sand and gravel extraction from riverbeds destabilizes the soil, leading to erosion and altering natural water flow.
- Water Pollution: Mining runoff contaminates rivers and groundwater, affecting both ecosystems and local communities.
- Economic and Social Impact
- Loss of revenue for the government due to evasion of taxes and royalties.
- Exploitation of labor, often involving poor working conditions for laborers employed in these illegal setups.
Key Areas of Concern
- Sand Mining: The construction boom in the region and neighboring states has escalated the demand for sand, leading to rampant illegal mining from riverbeds.
- Stone Quarrying: Unlicensed stone quarries in the Union Territory operate without environmental clearance, damaging the surrounding land.
Police and Administrative Efforts
- Crackdowns and Raids
The police conduct regular raids on illegal mining sites, seizing machinery, vehicles, and mined materials. Crackdowns are often based on tips from local informants or intelligence networks. - Surveillance and Monitoring
- The use of drones and satellite imagery helps identify unauthorized mining activities, particularly in remote areas.
- Installation of checkpoints on key transportation routes ensures that illegally mined resources are intercepted before reaching markets.
- Community Involvement
The administration runs awareness campaigns to encourage locals to report illegal activities and educates them about the environmental hazards of illegal mining. - Strict Legal Measures
- Imposing hefty fines and initiating legal proceedings against offenders to deter future violations.
- Sealing unauthorized mining sites and confiscating machinery.
- Collaboration with Environmental Agencies
The police work alongside the Pollution Control Board and Forest Department to enforce environmental regulations and rehabilitate affected areas.
The Way Forward
Curbing illegal mining in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter monitoring, community engagement, and tougher penalties. By addressing this issue proactively, the Union Territory can protect its environment and ensure sustainable development.