The PVUNL power plant in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district was fined Rs. 1.47 crore for transporting minerals without valid mining challans. The district administration also issued a warning, stressing strict action against revenue loss and illegal mineral transport in the state.
Jharkhand’s Patratu-based PVUNL power plant has come under scrutiny for transporting minerals without proper mining challans, leading to a huge loss in state revenue. The district administration has taken the matter seriously and imposed a penalty of Rs. 1.47 crore on the company for the irregularity.
Revenue Loss to State Detected
The Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) is a large and ambitious power project in the Ramgarh district. While the state government has extended full support for the development of this mega plant, the company has been accused of bypassing state mining regulations. According to the District Mining Officer (DMO), PVUNL has been using key construction minerals like sand, stone chips, and boulders without using legally required mineral transport challans. This has resulted in the evasion of mandatory state royalty payments, causing a direct revenue loss to the Jharkhand government.
DC Issued Strict Warning
Upon being informed by the DMO, Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz treated the matter with utmost seriousness. Following a detailed inquiry, he directed the authorities to issue a warning notice to the executive officer of PVUNL and instructed immediate recovery of the fine. The Rs. 1.47 crore penalty was calculated based on the quantity of minerals used without proper documentation during the current financial year 2025. The DC emphasized that no company, however big, will be allowed to flout rules and that all operations must follow legal procedures.
More Violations Detected
Apart from PVUNL, other mining lease holders and licensees in the district were also found violating mining norms. The DMO revealed that Rs. 16 lakh was collected as fines from other defaulters in 2025. With the PVUNL fine added, the total penalty collection in the district now stands at Rs. 1.63 crore.
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Administration’s Stand
The district administration has made it clear that strict action will be taken against any illegal activity related to mineral transportation in Ramgarh. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed the mining department to maintain constant vigilance, and warned that repeat offenders could face harsher penalties or legal action. This move by the Ramgarh administration is being seen as a step to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector, and also to protect state revenue which plays a vital role in development.
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