Who benefits from illegal mining in Aravalli hills?

In another glaring instance of illegal mining in the Aravalli hills, a significant portion of a hillock was reduced to rubble in Pichopa Kalan village, Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district, on Wednesday evening.

- Leena Dhankhar

GURUGRAM: The blast, allegedly orchestrated by a mining cartel with alleged political backing, is yet another example of the unchecked plunder of natural resources in the region.

Behind this illicit activity lies a sprawling network of beneficiaries. At the top of this hierarchy are influential local strongmen and politicians who allegedly broker deals for both legal and illegal mining leases. These individuals are well-connected and adept at navigating or manipulating bureaucratic systems to keep the mining operations running. Below them, middlemen-contractors and sub-contractors manage daily operations, supervise workers, and often act as enforcers, intimidating locals who speak out. At the bottom rung are numerous truckers and machine operators who earn daily wages, often making more than they would through legal employment in the region.

Alleged political patronage Central to the allegations is the claim that some ruling-party politicians either turn a blind eye to the illegal mining or actively assist in its operation. Activists and locals often name prominent political figures in connection with these activities, alleging campaign funding deals, quid pro quo arrangements, and tacit approvals that enable the mining mafia to thrive.