Kerala: Kerala’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a major statewide enforcement drive, dubbed ‘Operation Earth Guard’, aimed at tackling illegal soil mining, permit misuse and suspected corruption linked to excavation activities.
The surprise inspection campaign began across the state following intelligence inputs indicating widespread violations in the removal and transport of ordinary earth. Acting on the directive of Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham, teams carried out coordinated inspections at multiple government offices and identified locations suspected of illegal activity.
Officials said the operation covered all 14 district Mining and Geology offices, dozens of selected local self-government institutions and several sites where unauthorised excavation had been reported. In total, inspections were launched at 72 offices alongside field-level checks at multiple locations.
The probe is examining allegations that permits issued for legitimate construction activity were being misused to extract and transport soil beyond approved limits. Authorities are also looking into claims that excavated earth was being diverted for commercial and real estate use in violation of regulations.
Investigators are further scrutinising reports of illegal levelling of hills and natural landforms, as well as suspected collusion involving certain officials, intermediaries and organised groups allegedly facilitating unlawful mining operations.
The vigilance agency said the operation also seeks to address alleged enforcement failures and potential government revenue losses tied to unpaid royalties and irregular permit approvals. The statewide crackdown is expected to continue as authorities assess findings from the inspections.
The Impressive Times
No Comments: