Una, December 1: The district administration's multi-pronged strategy to destroy illegal mining and the entire ecosystem it sustains in Una district is proving effective. The multi-pronged and comprehensive strategy employed by DC Jatin Lal to crack down on the night mining network, illegal transportation, alcohol-fueled nighttime activities, anti-social elements, and the misuse of weapons in the district has now become known throughout the state as the "Una Model." This strategy has yielded tangible results in a very short time and has virtually shaken the entire illegal mining infrastructure to its very roots.
DC Jatin Lal states that illegal mining is not just a mining issue, but a widespread crisis involving law and order, the environment, revenue, transportation disruption, and the criminal cycle. Therefore, a multi-pronged, scientific, and stringent enforcement model has been implemented in Una.
The stringent measures taken by the administration over the past fortnight have dealt a severe blow to the entire criminal network, cracking down on every component of illegal mining: material, machinery, activity, transportation, and supporting criminal elements.
This strategy of the Una administration is a scientific, multi-layered, and coordinated action plan to uproot illegal mining. Today, this comprehensive strategy is recognized across the state as the "Una Model" and has become a strong example of eliminating illegal mining and its entire ecosystem.
**Ban on night mining, the biggest shield of the illegal network broken
The entire structure of illegal mining was based on the darkness of night. In a decisive blow to this, the district administration imposed a complete ban on mining and transportation from 5 pm to 6 am. Now, legal mining is only possible with permission from 6 am to 5 pm. This single decision has virtually halted the illegal mining, tipper movement, and night transportation system.
**Control of Liquor Sales, Breaking the Night Crime Network
Late-night alcohol consumption and crowds played a significant role in illegal mining activities. To break this cycle, it was made mandatory for all liquor vendors, bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants serving alcohol to close by 10 p.m. This measure has proven to be an important tool in controlling drug abuse and curbing nighttime crime.
**Strictness in Transportation System, Illegal Transportation Network Disabled
The strength of illegal mining was linked to its transportation chain. To control this chain, the administration completely reorganized the transportation system. All tippers/heavy cargo vehicles were instructed to operate only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dedicated corridors were notified for mining vehicles.
A complete ban was imposed on the movement of tippers from DC Chowk to the Mehtpur border. Meanwhile, the movement of commercial heavy vehicles and loading and unloading on this route has been banned from 8 am to 9 pm. During the ban period, vehicles have been diverted to the Jhaleda-DC Chowk-Santoshgarh-Ajouli Mod route.
These strict measures have weakened the illegal transportation network.
**Unauthorized entry of vehicles banned along the Swan River banks, complete ban on mining without permission
The Swan River faced the biggest threat from illegal mining. To protect this sensitive area, the administration has banned unauthorized entry of vehicles along the river banks. Mining without permission has been banned in this area. The seizure of vehicles and filing of FIRs for violations has made the ban more effective. This step is considered a major transformative step for the protection of the river's structure and environment.
**Joint monitoring mechanism of administration, police, and mining department, night patrolling increased
Monitoring was the biggest challenge in combating illegal mining. To strengthen this, a joint surveillance system involving the district administration, police, and mining departments was activated. Night patrolling was increased. At the same time, 24-hour active monitoring was ensured in sensitive areas, routes, and checkpoints. This joint surveillance has increased accountability and doubled the capacity for on-the-spot action.
**Review of Weapons Licenses
Following complaints of misuse of weapons in some cases related to illegal mining, the district administration has issued instructions to all license holders to deposit their weapons at police stations and has initiated a review of each license based on the potential threat. Licenses are being suspended or revoked in controversial or risky cases.