Operation Earth Guard: VACB Cracks Down on Illegal Soil Mining in Kerala

In a major crackdown on illegal soil excavation and alleged corruption, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Monday launched a statewide surprise inspection drive titled Operation Earth Guard,” exposing widespread violations in mining and construction sectors.

The operation, initiated under the direction of Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham, began simultaneously at 10:30 am across the state. Acting on intelligence inputs about rampant irregularities , VACB teams conducted coordinated inspections at all 14 district Mining and Geology offices, 58 selected local self-government institutions, and multiple sites where illegal earth removal had been reported.

In total, raids are being carried out at 72 offices and several field locations. Officials said the focus of the drive is to detect misuse of permits and transit passes issued for soil removal, often obtained under the pretext of house construction and commercial development.

Preliminary findings indicate that in many instances, permits are being misused to excavate and transport soil far beyond permissible limits. Authorities noted that the quantity of earth removed frequently exceeds sanctioned volumes, pointing to systematic violations .

Serious environmental concerns have also emerged, with reports suggesting that hills and natural mounds are being illegally levelled, leading to irreversible alterations in the natural landscape. The excavated soil is allegedly diverted for real estate and other commercial purposes, raising alarms about unregulated land transformation.

The VACB has flagged suspected collusion involving certain officials from the Mining and Geology Department and local self-government bodies. These officials are believed to have issued permits and transit passes in violation of norms, allegedly in exchange for bribes or other undue benefits.

The probe has further highlighted the role of middlemen and organised “soil mafia” networks that facilitate illegal excavation and transportation. Additionally, enforcement officials are accused of deliberately avoiding inspections and failing to take follow-up action, resulting in significant revenue loss to the government through unpaid royalties.

While the crackdown is currently underway in Kerala , similar concerns are being raised about illegal soil mining in Telangana , where unregulated excavation and transport of earth have also been reported. Experts warn that such practices, if unchecked, could severely impact both ecology and public finances.

The ongoing operation in Kerala is being seen as a major anti-corruption and enforcement initiative. Officials indicated that a detailed report will follow, with strict action expected against those found guilty, including government officials and private individuals involved in the незакон activities.