Jaipur, Dec. 29 -- The Rajasthan government has issued detailed operational guidelines to district collectors and superintendents of police of 20 districts, that fall within the Aravalli mountain system, for a joint, coordinated campaign against illegal mining activities from December 29, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Principal secretary, mines department, T Ravikant said the instructions have been issued in compliance with the directions given by chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma during a review meeting of the mines and forest departments held on Saturday. The campaign will cover Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur, Dausa, Kotputli-Behror, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Beawar, Tonk, Kuchaman-Didwana, Pali, Sirohi, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Salumber, Dungarpur, Banswara and Pratapgarh - districts. The drive will target illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals. Strict deterrent and legal action have been ordered against violators. Ravikant said a special investigation team (SIT) has already been constituted in each district under the chairmanship of the district collector. The joint teams will include officials from the mines department (mining engineers, vigilance officers, assistant mining engineers, geologists and technical staff), revenue department (sub-divisional level officers), Police (DSP-level officers), transport department (inspectors and sub-inspectors) and forest department (ranger-level officers). Mining guards and Border Home Guards will also be part of the operation. According to the guidelines, if the compounding amount and penalties prescribed by the National Green Tribunal are not deposited within three days, the concerned mining engineer will register an FIR. If dues remain unpaid even after 90 days, action will be initiated to confiscate vehicles, machinery and equipment involved in illegal mining. Collectors have been directed to ensure follow-up action in previously FIRs related to illegal mining and to expedite the auction of minerals seized earlier. In cases of illegal mining on khatedari land, the concerned revenue officers will initiate proceedings to cancel land ownership rights....