BUNDI/DHANESHWAR: A massive administrative and environmental scandal has surfaced in the Dhaneshwar region of Bundi, Rajasthan. An investigative report has revealed that mining mafias, in alleged collusion with local authorities, have shifted operations nearly 3 kilometers away from their legally allotted lease area to establish an illegal sandstone empire directly on residential land.
Encroachment on Residential and KDA Land
According to official records, Bundi Silica Company was granted a lease (No. 47/1994) for 130.34 hectares. However, actual mining is occurring in Wards 9, 10, and 11 of Dhaneshwar—a densely populated area. Revenue records indicate this land (Khasra numbers 162 and 267) is registered under the Kota Development Authority (KDA) and has been inhabited by villagers for over 40 years.
Alleged Collusion of Local Authorities
The role of the Dhaneshwar Gram Panchayat has come under heavy scrutiny. Documents show that on June 13, 2025, the Sarpanch and Secretary provided a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) to the Tehsildar that contained blatant contradictions. The report alleges the Panchayat falsely labeled the precious land as “non-residential” to facilitate mining, while simultaneously proposing the same land for “residential expansion” in the same document.
Threat to Mukundra Tiger Reserve
The illegal operations pose a severe threat to the environment, as the mining site sits just 900 meters from the boundary of the Mukundra Tiger Reserve. Heavy blasting and dust pollution are not only violating Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) regulations but are also endangering local wildlife.
Violation of NGT Norms and Forced Displacement
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandates a minimum distance of 50 meters from public roads and 250 feet for blasting operations. In Dhaneshwar, mining is reportedly taking place just 20 meters from the highway. Furthermore, villagers have been displaced from their ancestral homes without legal compensation or land titles, being moved to temporary structures without ownership rights.
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Despite numerous complaints, the administrative silence has sparked public outrage, raising questions about who authorized mining on residential land and why environmental laws are being ignored.