Chandigarh, Oct 30 (PTI) The AAP government adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, with sustained enforcement drives resulting in 1,845 FIRs and 3,988 seizures across the state over nearly five years, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said on Friday.
The mining department imposed penalties worth Rs 28.70 crore against illegal mining activities, of which Rs 27.33 crore has already been recovered, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Goyal said.
Detailing year-wise enforcement action, including FIRs registered, vehicles and machinery seized, penalties imposed and amounts recovered, Goyal said, "The department, in close coordination with police, has intensified its action to curb unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals and ensure strict compliance with mining regulations."
The minister said, "In 2022, a total of 735 FIRs were registered, and 802 seizures of vehicles and machinery were made, with penalties of Rs 89 lakh imposed and Rs 88 lakh recovered. In 2023, the department registered 458 FIRs and made 987 seizures, imposing penalties of Rs 6.64 crore and recovering Rs 6.17 crore.
"During 2024, 294 FIRs were registered, and 1,077 seizures were made, with penalties of Rs 9.74 crore imposed and Rs 9.56 crore recovered. In 2025, 111 FIRs were registered and 454 seizures made, with penalties of Rs 2.76 crore imposed and Rs 2.70 crore recovered."
For 2026, he said the department registered 247 FIRs and seized 668 machinery and vehicles.
"Penalties amounting to Rs 8.67 crore have been imposed, out of which Rs 8.02 crore has already been recovered," he said.
Elaborating on enforcement action this year, the minister said up to July 2026, the department registered 77 FIRs and issued 192 challans under Rules 74 and 75 of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013. The department imposed penalties amounting to Rs 2.06 crore during this period, of which Rs 1.93 crore was recovered.
"From July to October 2026, the department registered another 170 FIRs and issued 476 challans under the relevant provisions. During this period, the department imposed penalties worth Rs 6.61 crore, recovering Rs 6.17 crore. Thus, the total enforcement action during 2026 stands at 247 FIRs and 668 challans, with Rs 8.67 crore in penalties imposed and Rs 8.02 crore recovered," he said.
Goyal said the department will continue its coordinated enforcement drives with police and take strict legal action against everyone found violating mining regulations. "The Punjab Government is committed to eliminating illegal mining through sustained field surveillance, stringent enforcement and accountability at every level," he said.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)