Ballari Officials to Intensify Checks on Illegal Mining and Mineral Transport
Ballari Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad has directed officials to intensify surveillance and field visits to curb illegal mining and mineral transportation. The directive comes as the district aims to meet significant revenue collection targets from major minerals.
Key takeaways
- Ballari Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad has ordered officials to increase field visits and surveillance to prevent illegal mining and mineral transport.
- The district aims to collect ₹6,250 crore from major minerals by 2026-27, with significant progress made in the current fiscal year.
- Inactive mining leases are to be reviewed for potential cancellation, and inactive quarries will face inspections.
- Upgrades to check-posts and the formation of joint task forces are part of the enhanced enforcement strategy.
Officials in Ballari have been instructed to increase vigilance to combat illegal mining and the unauthorized movement of minerals within the district. Ballari Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad emphasized the need for regular field visits and strict monitoring at checkpoints during a District Task Force meeting.
What Happened
Presiding over a meeting focused on illegal mining and mineral transportation, Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad urged officials to go beyond office duties. He directed them to enhance daily oversight and conduct joint inspections, particularly in Sandur, a region known for concentrated mining operations. The surveillance efforts are to encompass mining lease areas and the flow of ore entering and exiting Ballari. The accuracy of weighbridges and check-posts is to be rigorously assessed to prevent revenue leakage. Prasad also called for a proposal to establish a local office for the Department of Mines and Geology in Sandur to facilitate immediate monitoring.
The Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Ram G. Naik, reported that Ballari is projected to collect ₹6,250 crore from major minerals by 2026-27, representing approximately 78% of the state's target. For the 2025-26 period, the district achieved 96% of its ₹5,200 crore target, collecting ₹4,922 crore. As of the end of July in the current year, ₹1,345.46 crore had been collected against a progressive target of ₹2,250 crore, indicating 59.8% achievement.
Prasad also mandated the expedited revival of inactive mining leases and stressed the importance of facilitating mining operations while safeguarding environmental and biodiversity interests. Of the 89 quarry leases for building stone, decorative stone, murram, and sand, 59 are active and 30 are inactive. Officials are to inspect quarries inactive for over a year and initiate lease cancellation proceedings to bring the land under government control for re-auction. The district's nine check-posts are to be upgraded into model inspection stations featuring CCTV, weighbridge integration, and sample-testing capabilities. A digital system will monitor vehicle movement, mineral weight, quality, and transport permits.
Regarding ore transport by NMDC, Prasad directed the Mines and Geology Department to formally request the company to expand its conveyor-belt capacity, aligning with Supreme Court directives to cease road transport of ore in favor of conveyor belts and railway sidings. He also ordered a survey to identify available sand and gravel resources in riverbeds, tanks, and government lands for legal extraction, and instructed the prompt review of applications for sand extraction from private lands.
Furthermore, joint task forces comprising officials from the Revenue, Police, Forest, and Mines and Geology Departments will be formed at district and taluk levels. These forces will conduct surprise raids at least weekly and increase night patrols, supported by the police, to prevent illegal transport. Superintendent of Police Suman D. Pennekar stated that a special control room will be established to enhance coordination between the district administration and police, linking teams of officials.
Key Facts
- Ballari Deputy Commissioner K. Nagendra Prasad directed officials to intensify surveillance and field visits to curb illegal mining and mineral transportation.
- The district has a revenue collection target of ₹6,250 crore for major minerals for 2026-27.
- As of the end of July this year, Ballari had collected ₹1,345.46 crore against a progressive target of ₹2,250 crore.
- Out of 89 quarry leases for various stones and sand, 59 are operational and 30 are inactive.
- Nine check-posts in the district will be developed into model inspection stations with CCTV and weighbridge integration.
- Joint task forces will be formed to conduct surprise raids and intensify night patrolling.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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