‘Do you want to stop illegal mining or not?’: Congress raises issue in Gujarat Assembly; action taken, says minister

Chavda had sought to know the number of leases given for mining of Carbocell in Surendranagar district as of January 2025. Minister of Department of Industries and Mines Balvantsinh Rajput, in reply, stated that a total 30 leases are operational in the district in over 78 hectare area.

Chavda had also asked when was the last time measurement was carried out of these leases. He was informed by the minister that measurements of total 12 leases were done between 2014 and 2024.

The Congress MLA had also asked about the number of cases of illegal mining detected in the last two years and the deaths that occurred in the period. Minister Rajput stated in his written reply that a total five cases of illegal mining were detected from the 30 lease holders and no death was registered.

In his supplementary question, Chavda referred to an earlier question before the House where the minister reportedly stated that around 2,200 illegal mining wells were caught and plugged. He alleged that in Muli, Than and Chotila regions of Surendranagar district, more than 300 illegal leases engaged in mining are operational. “It is well known there (in Surendranagar) that for each illegal mining well, Rs 1.50 lakh are being paid as installment,” Chavda said without specifying to whom the installments were paid.

Referring to the figure of zero death presented by the minister, Chavda further alleged, “Here, an answer has been given that no death has been reported. Recently, three labourers have died. Many such deaths happen regularly…I want to know from the minister how much illegal mining was done from those 2,200 illegal mining wells, who did it and if you want to take some action against them or not.” Chavda also asked if the state government wants to take some strict action to permanently stop the allegedly illegal mining activity “so that nobody dies.”

In reply, minister Rajput said, “Gujarat government does take strict action against any (illegal) activity anywhere in the state…The question asked by him (Chavda) is limited to 30 leases and if he wants to get additional information, we will give it if he gives a separate notice of it. This question is only limited to 30 leases.”

He further said that the district administration takes strict action against such activity such as detention under Prevention of Anti-social Activities Act (PASA).

Following this, Chavda said, “If you talk about deaths, then everybody knows how many people have died. It is registered. If the minister wants, I am ready to give copies of FIR…Do you want to stop illegal mining or not?”

Minister Rajput replied, “As I said, this question is limited to 30 leases…We do measurement of mines every time. (In case of illegal mining) we do file cases as well. We did take action such as a police complaint, (action under) PASA, fine of crores of rupees.”

Chavda maintained that illegal mining was being done openly.

At this point, Speaker Shankar Chaudhary told Chavda, “Even in that, he (Minister Rajput) has said that strict actions are being taken and if necessary, action under PASA is also being taken.”

During the discussion, Rajput said, “When Amitbhai (Chavda) has said that an installment of Rs 1.50 lakh per month is being received, if you have, you should produce evidence of the same on record. This is just imaginary. It is not reasonable.”

The discussion on the question concluded with remarks of Speaker Chaudhary who asked Chavda to put on record any evidence he may have.