Dholpur’s law enforcement struck hard at the heart of the illegal bajri trade, confiscating 12 tractor-trolleys in a nighttime raid on Chambal River mining sites. The sweeping action disrupted a clandestine network that has long flouted mining bans imposed to protect the fragile river ecosystem.
Under the direct oversight of senior officers, police mobilized multiple teams equipped with spotters and barriers along vulnerable river stretches. The operation, intelligence-driven and meticulously planned, netted vehicles brimming with premium sand extracted from prohibited depths.
Sources indicate the miners employed sophisticated evasion tactics, including night hauls and altered routes, but were outmaneuvered by vigilant patrols. The drivers, hailing from nearby villages, now face charges under mining regulations and environmental laws.
This isn’t an isolated bust; it’s part of a broader campaign launched after the National Green Tribunal’s stern warnings on Chambal’s degradation. Illegal extraction has accelerated soil loss, siltation, and threats to aquatic life, including endangered species in the river.
The SP’s office released details of the seizure, projecting significant revenue loss for the mafia. Recovered sand was dumped back into the river to restore natural contours, a practice gaining traction in such enforcement drives.
Community leaders and green activists are calling for permanent checkpoints and technology integration like GPS tracking for legal operations. With the monsoon season approaching, authorities prioritize preventing flood-aggravated damage from unchecked digging.
As probes deepen, links to political patronage are under scrutiny, promising more revelations. Dholpur sets a precedent for neighboring districts grappling with similar rackets.
