In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining activities, the Industries and Mines Department conducted a late-night raid near Arniwada village in Kankrej taluka. The operation, which lasted throughout the night, resulted in the seizure of 125 vehicles, including Hitachi excavators, loaders, and dumpers, involved in the theft of mineral resources from the banks of Banas River. 

Approximately ₹3.25 crore worth of material was seized.

The raid, conducted with the assistance of Flying Squad teams from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Patan, uncovered a large-scale operation siphoning off precious mineral resources from the riverbed.

Authorities are now investigating whether the operators of these vehicles had paid the required royalty to the government. Any irregularities or discrepancies found will lead to strict penal action.

The government charges a nominal royalty of ₹50 per 21 tonnes of sand. The price without royalty is ₹160 to ₹170 per tonne, whereas, with royalty, it is ₹200 per tonne. For 12-wheeler trucks, the regulation allows for 25 tonnes, 16-wheeler trucks for 32 tonnes, and 22-wheeler trucks for 42 tonnes.

However, miners often evade this by overloading their vehicles and underreporting the quantity of sand extracted. This practice is believed to be costing the government crores of rupees in lost revenue.

The seized vehicles, which included trucks of various sizes, were found to be carrying far more sand than their legal capacity. Many of these trucks were likely making multiple trips per day.

The District Mining Officer stated that the raid was initiated following complaints from local residents about the rampant illegal mining activities in the area. 

This is not the first time that illegal mining operations have been exposed in Banaskantha. Earlier, a similar raid in Ranpur village in Deesa led to the seizure of 5 machines and 12 vehicles, along with valuable materials.

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