Archive · 23 Aug 2025
CAG Report: Illegal Mining Exposed in Uttar Pradesh
Imagine people were taking out rocks and sand (minerals) from the ground illegally in Uttar Pradesh.
A government check-up found that this was happening between 2017 and 2022.
To hide it, they pretended to use weird vehicles like ambulances and bulldozers to carry the minerals!
They even made up fake license plates for many vehicles.
The people in charge of making sure this didn't happen didn't do their job.
This report is causing a stir, with some people saying the government wasn't stopping the illegal activity.
CAG report reveals widespread illegal mining in Uttar Pradesh between 2017 and 2022.
Mining was allegedly conducted outside lease areas and without permits.
Over 83,000 'unsuitable' vehicles, including ambulances and bulldozers, were used to transport minerals on paper.
Nearly 86,000 vehicles had fake registration numbers, with the Directorate of Geology and Mining failing to monitor activities.
The report has prompted criticism, with opposition parties questioning the government's handling of the situation.
- Who
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India reported the findings, implicating lessees and the state government.
- What
- Illegal mining and use of fake vehicles to transport minerals were discovered in Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- Between 2017 and 2022.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, across 17 districts including Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, and Sonbhadra.
- Why
- To cover up illegal mining activities, potentially for financial gain and to avoid regulatory oversight.
Opposition
Government
Government Response
Opposition
The CAG report reveals shocking facts regarding illegal mining, with ambulances and bulldozers used for mineral transport.
Government
The government has gone completely silent on the CAG audit report, and the situation in the second tenure remains the same.
- Time Period
- 2017-2022
- Vehicles with Fake Numbers
- 85,928
- Illegal Mining Area
- Nearly 269 hectares outside lease areas
- Vehicles Involved
- Ambulances, bulldozers, and others
- Districts Affected
- 17
- Directorate of Geology and Mining
- Failed to monitor the activities