Uttarakhand becomes first state in India to set up a Mining Vigilance Force, with headquarters at Dehradun.

On October 9, 2013, Uttarakhand constituted a Special Mining Vigilance Force to tackle illegal mining in ecologically sensitive zones along the Ganga and its tributaries, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna told reporters. This makes Uttarakhand the first state in India to do so.

A DIG level Officer will head the Special Mining Vigilance Force, headquartered at Dehradun. At present, DIG Sanjay Gunjyal has been chosen to head the Mining Vigilance Force.

Illegal Mining in Uttarakhand

According to the Uttarakhand CM, the Force will be adequately staffed and equipped to rein in illegal mining in the state. Notably, illegal mining is prevalent at about 10 different places in the state including Kotdwar, Haldwani, Vikasnagar and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

How Effective will be the Uttarakhand's Special Mining Vigilance Task Force in checking Illegal Mining in Uttarakhand

How effective the Special Mining Vigilance Force in Uttarakhand, only time will tell. But it's least likely to succeed unless the demand & Supply, Middlemen and Pricing lobby is dismantled.


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