The state of Rajasthan in India is home to a large number of mine leases for both major and minor minerals. These mines contribute significantly to the state’s economy, with a revenue target of Rs. 7,100 crore for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. One of the major mining areas in Rajasthan is Bijolia, which is known for its massive sandstone deposits.

However, the small mine owners in the Bijolia region lack technical knowledge and environmental control. As a result, there have been numerous instances of safety violations, poor working conditions, and a disregard for environmental safeguards in the area. The lack of proper safety measures and protective equipment often puts the lives of the miners at risk, leading to accidents and injuries.

Furthermore, the working conditions in these mines are often poor, with long working hours, low wages, and a lack of proper facilities. This has a detrimental impact on the physical and mental health of the workers, who are often forced to work in cramped and dangerous conditions. Many workers in the Bijolia region are also employed in unregulated and illegal mines, which further exacerbates the problem.

In addition to the human toll, the mining activities in Bijolia and other regions of Rajasthan have a significant impact on the environment. The extraction of minerals often involves the use of heavy machinery and explosives, which can lead to land degradation, deforestation, and soil erosion. The mining activities also result in the generation of waste materials and pollutants, which can contaminate the air and water in the surrounding areas.

Despite these issues, the small mine owners in Bijolia and other areas of Rajasthan continue to operate without adequate oversight and regulation. The government has implemented various measures to address these problems, such as the establishment of a state-level Mining Surveillance System and the imposition of fines on violators. However, these efforts have not been entirely successful in curbing the negative impacts of mining in the region.