📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Tisha Mukherjee
Crime
Rajasthan govt arms forest staff to curb illegal sand mining after ranger's death
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jaipur
🗓 09 Oct 2026, 04:31 PM
👁 18
Following the killing of a forest ranger and attacks on forest personnel, Rajasthan's chief secretary ordered weapons and vehicles for staff in sensitive zones to stop illegal sand mining.
Jaipur, Rajasthan – After a forest ranger was killed and several forest employees faced assaults in the state's mining‑prone regions, the chief secretary of Rajasthan issued a directive to equip forest personnel with firearms and patrol vehicles. The move aims to strengthen the safety of rangers and to deter illegal sand (bajri) extraction that has plagued the region for years.
The order, announced on Monday, authorises the deployment of weapons and specially marked vehicles to forest ranges identified as high‑risk zones. Officials said the measure will be coordinated with the state police to ensure proper training and accountability.
State authorities have highlighted that illegal mining not only damages the environment but also fuels criminal networks that target forest staff. By providing adequate protection, the government hopes to curb these activities and restore law and order in the affected areas.
The directive follows a recent incident where a forest ranger was shot dead while attempting to stop unauthorized sand mining. The incident sparked protests from forest workers demanding better security.
The chief secretary emphasized that the provision of arms is a temporary, emergency response and that long‑term solutions will involve stricter enforcement of mining regulations and community awareness programs.
The order, announced on Monday, authorises the deployment of weapons and specially marked vehicles to forest ranges identified as high‑risk zones. Officials said the measure will be coordinated with the state police to ensure proper training and accountability.
State authorities have highlighted that illegal mining not only damages the environment but also fuels criminal networks that target forest staff. By providing adequate protection, the government hopes to curb these activities and restore law and order in the affected areas.
The directive follows a recent incident where a forest ranger was shot dead while attempting to stop unauthorized sand mining. The incident sparked protests from forest workers demanding better security.
The chief secretary emphasized that the provision of arms is a temporary, emergency response and that long‑term solutions will involve stricter enforcement of mining regulations and community awareness programs.