Haryana Enforcement Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining in the Aravalis

New Delhi: The Aravali Range, often called the “Green Lungs” of the National Capital Region (NCR), is facing an existential threat from rampant illegal mining and organized crime. In a decisive move to safeguard this ancient geological marvel, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSEB) has announced an intensified crackdown on illegal mineral extraction, illicit liquor trade, and unauthorized colonies across several districts.

This initiative, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Navdeep Singh Virk, signals a significant shift toward a zero-tolerance policy against environmental degradation in Haryana.

A Unified Front Against Organized Crime

During a high-level state review meeting held in Panchkula, the Enforcement Bureau outlined a strategic roadmap to dismantle the networks driving illegal activities in the Aravalis. The focus is not just on mining but on a spectrum of organized crimes, including electricity and water theft, which often go hand-in-hand with land exploitation.

A key highlight of this new strategy is the seamless coordination between investigation officers, local police, and relevant government departments. By sharing real-time source reports, the Bureau aims to enable swift, ground-level action. This collaborative approach is particularly crucial for “high-pressure” areas such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Narnaul, Rewari, Nuh, Charkhi Dadri, and Bhiwani.

Performance-Driven Enforcement: The 2025 Snapshot

The scale of the challenge is reflected in the Bureau’s performance metrics from 2025. In the Gurgaon region alone, enforcement teams conducted over 4,539 site inspections to monitor illegal mineral extraction. These efforts yielded significant results:

• 1,358 vehicles used for transporting illegal minerals were impounded.
• 536 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 626 individuals.
• Penalties exceeding Rs 10 crore were imposed, with nearly half of that amount already recovered.

To sustain this momentum, the Bureau is undergoing a structural overhaul. Manpower is being redistributed based on workload, and personnel are being equipped with anti-riot gear and advanced training to handle the evolving nature of environmental and cyber-crimes.

Why Protecting the Aravalis is Non-Negotiable

The Aravalis are not merely a collection of hills; they are a critical ecological barrier that has protected Northwest India for millions of years. Their significance cannot be overstated:

1. Shield Against Desertification: The range acts as a natural wall, preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains.
2. Groundwater Recharge: The fractured rocks of the Aravalis allow rainwater to percolate deep into the earth, replenishing the aquifers that sustain the water needs of millions in Gurgaon and Delhi.
3. Climate Regulation: By influencing wind patterns and mitigating the heat island effect, these hills regulate the local climate and help reduce air pollution levels.
4. Biodiversity Hotspot: The range is home to leopards, jackals, striped hyenas, and hundreds of bird species, providing a vital wildlife corridor in an increasingly urbanized landscape.

The Scars of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining in the Aravalis does more than just scar the landscape—it punctures the region’s water security. Deep quarrying often hits the water table, causing local lakes like Badkhal and Surajkund to dry up and disrupting the natural flow of groundwater.

Furthermore, the removal of vegetation cover leads to severe soil erosion and increased dust storms, exacerbating the already precarious air quality in the NCR. The Enforcement Bureau’s latest crackdown is a direct response to these environmental “red flags,” aiming to stop the irreversible damage before it’s too late.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future

The HSEB’s efforts align with larger national initiatives, such as the Aravali Green Wall Project, which aims to create a 1,400km long green belt to combat land degradation. Additionally, recent Supreme Court rulings have provided a clearer legal framework by defining the Aravali boundaries and pausing fresh mining leases until comprehensive management plans are in place.

As urban expansion continues to put pressure on natural resources, the role of the Enforcement Bureau becomes even more vital. By combining high-tech surveillance, such as drones and night-vision CCTV, with rigorous ground-level patrolling, the Bureau is setting a precedent for environmental governance in India.

Conclusion

The battle to save the Aravalis is a battle for our future. While the Enforcement Bureau’s intensified crackdown provides a much-needed shield, the long-term protection of this range requires sustained public awareness and a commitment to sustainable development. As the Bureau steps up its vigilance, it sends a clear message: the Aravalis are not for sale, and those who threaten this ecological heritage will face the full force of the law.

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