Rajasthan equips forest staff with weapons to combat sand mining violence

Rajasthan Chief Secretary V Srinivas has directed the procurement of weapons and vehicles for forest staff deployed in sensitive zones of the Chambal sanctuary, responding to escalating violence connected to unauthorized sand extraction activities. The decision follows multiple incidents where forest personnel have come under attack while attempting to curb illegal mining operations in the region.

The Chambal sanctuary, spanning across multiple districts, has emerged as a hotspot for illegal sand mining, with criminal networks exploiting the area's remote terrain and limited enforcement capabilities. Forest staff tasked with monitoring and preventing such activities have increasingly become targets of organized violence, creating a significant challenge for conservation and resource management efforts.

The procurement initiative aims to enhance the operational capacity and personal security of forest personnel working in high-risk areas. Equipping staff with improved weapons and dedicated vehicles is expected to improve their ability to respond to threats and conduct enforcement operations more effectively against mining syndicates.

Illegal sand mining has become a persistent problem across India, particularly in water bodies and forests, with environmental and social consequences. In Rajasthan, the activity has been linked to organized crime networks and has prompted authorities to intensify protective measures for enforcement staff operating in vulnerable regions.