Bokaro destroys 29 illegal rathole mines

Bokaro: The district administration on Friday demolished 29 illegal rathole mines in Gomia, officials said.
Deputy commissioner Jadhav Vijaya Narayan Rao said, "A team destroyed illegal rathole mines located at Rahavan, Pachmo, Hurdag, and Bagiyari villages using drills filled with 290 kg of gunpowder."
The team, led by divisional forest officer (DFO) Rajneesh Kumar, consisted of officials from the forest department, the Bermo subdivision, the mining department, police, and the Central Coalfield Limited (CCL).
"The operations are a strong and clear message about our commitment to curn illegal mining and protect the district's natural resources, while promoting environmental sustainability and public safety," DC Jadhav said. Rahavan is part of a protected forest area and has a history of Naxal-related activity. Hence, the operation was carried out amidst high security. A huge police contingent and special security squad were deployed, DFO Rajneesh said. Officials urged local residents to report illegal mining activity or environmental crime to the authorities concerned to safeguard the region's natural resources.
On Thursday, a search operation was conducted at Mauja Dugdha Motiyatan area under the Bokaro Jharia outpost of Dugdha police station. The search revealed evidence of illegal rathole mining. An FIR was lodged at Bokaro Jharia outpost against the miscreants involved in illegal mining.