Bokaro: The district administration launched a major campaign to combat illegal mining, in the Gomia area. Using controlled blasting techniques, officials demolished 29 illegal rat hole mines for the first time on Friday.
This initiative aims to protect forest areas, prevent environmental degradation, and address socio-economic issues caused by illegal mining. The operation is part of a broader effort to safeguard Bokaro’s natural resources and ensure public safety.
Deputy Commissioner Jadhav Vijaya Narayan Rao said the district administration was actively working to eliminate illegal mining activities in the region. As part of this ongoing effort, a dedicated committee took action on Friday, launching a significant campaign to eliminate the illegal rat holes (used for illegal coal mining) located in Bagaria village, Gomia.
This operation marked the first time such an action was carried out in the Bokaro district. The operation in Gomia was conducted by a joint team comprising officials from the Forest Department, Bermo Subdivision, the Mining Department, Police Administration, and Central Coalfield Limited (CCL).
The campaign was carried out under the leadership of the Forest Divisional Officer (DFO) of Bokaro, Rajneesh Kumar, in accordance with instructions issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
“Through a carefully planned strategy, the team destroyed illegal rat hole mines using drills filled with 290 kg of gunpowder, ensuring that these illegal mines could no longer be reused for mining activities. The action resulted in the demolition of 29 illegal mining sites spread across Rahavan, Pachmo, Hurdag, and Bagiyari areas,” said DC.
Given that the Rahavan area is part of a protected forest and has a history of Naxal-related activity, the operation was carried out with the highest level of security and caution. A significant police presence, along with special security squads, ensured that the operation proceeded smoothly without any major incidents, said DFO.
Several key officials, including Forest Division Officer Sandeep Shinde (IFS), Sub-Divisional Officer Mukesh Machhua, District Mining Officer Ravi Kumar, Police Officer Vashisht Narayan Singh, CCL General Manager and Project Officer Ajit Kumar, and other senior officials, were present at the site of the blasting over the course of three days.
The district administration, along with the Forest Department, sent a clear message that illegal mining in protected forest areas will not be tolerated. Officials have called upon local residents to report any illegal mining activities or environmental crimes to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken to safeguard the region’s natural resources.
In another significant move earlier on Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts under the guidance of DC Vijaya Jadhav, a raid was conducted in the Mauja Dugdha Motiyatan area of Bokaro Jharia Outpost, under the jurisdiction of the Dugdha Police Station. The raid revealed evidence of illegal rat hole mining and open mining in the area. An FIR was subsequently filed at Bokaro Jharia OP against those involved in these illicit activities.
“These operations are a strong and clear message about our commitment to preventing illegal mining and protecting the district’s natural resources, while promoting environmental sustainability and public safety,” said DC to TOI.