Himachal Pradesh records nearly 40% increase in fine collection, 44% in challans against illegal mining in first 4 months of 2024

This year till now, Himachal Pradesh Police have seized 256 vehicles involved in illegal mining while in 2023, 94 vehicles were seized in the corresponding time period

This year till now, police have seized 256 vehicles involved in illegal mining. Express file photo

In the first four months of 2024, Himachal Pradesh saw a 38.9 per cent increase in the amount of fine collected and a 44 per cent increase in the number of challans being issued against illegal mining compared to what the state had recorded during the same period in 2023.

Districts Chamba (Rs 42.39 lakh fine, 995 challans), Baddi (Rs 31.36 lakh fine, 222 challans), Nurpur (Rs 24.11 lakh fine, 257 challans) and Sirmaur (Rs 17.49 lakh fine, 316 challans) are on the top of the list from where maximum fine was recovered alongside the issuance of a huge number of challans.

Between January 1, 2024, and April 21, 2024, fine worth Rs 1.73 crore was collected from people caught engaging in illegal mining and 3,028 challans were issued. In the same period in 2023, fines worth Rs 1.23 crore were imposed and 2,099 challans were issued.

This year till now, police have seized 256 vehicles involved in illegal mining while in 2023, 94 vehicles were seized in the corresponding time period.

Interestingly, Lahaul and Spiti is the only district where not a single instance of illegal mining was reported.

There are 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh and the state police have divided them into 14 police districts. The police districts Baddi and Nurpur are considered separate from their head districts Solan and Kangra, respectively, in the view of better policing in these areas.

A police officer said, “A total of 14 FIRs were registered against different mining firms. Seven FIRs out of the 14 were forwarded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for probing the money laundering aspects in the mining business of people whose firms were booked. We forwarded these specific cases to the ED when we found an illegal trail of Rs 11.05 crore on the part of the suspects. So far, the ED has taken cognizance of four of the FIRs out of the seven.”

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“The crackdown on illegal mining is aimed at preventing the illegal export of minerals and the loss of revenue to the state government,” the officer added.

Notably, the current Congress government has been under attack by the opposition BJP since it assumed power for not acting tough against illegal mining, especially in Una, Sirmour, Kangra and Nurpur districts.

In February this year, the state government had notified the Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy-2024 by replacing the 11-year-old Mineral policy-2013. According to the new Mineral Policy-2024, the depth of the pit to extract minerals from riverbeds or streambeds was increased from 1 metre to 2 metre, machines were allowed to mine the minerals, manufacturing of M-Sand was permitted and the registration of new stone crushers were okayed near hydel or road projects.

“To curb illegal mining and boost revenue, the state government has recently approved a new mineral policy for the year 2024. The new policy emphasises the use of scientific and mechanical techniques for extraction of mineral wealth while ensuring adequate safeguards for the preservation of environment and ecology,” Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said on March 13.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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