The Aravalli Range stretches across nearly 20 districts of Rajasthan. Kotputli-Behror is one of them – and among the most heavily mined, thanks to the region’s rich mineral reserves. Much of what is extracted here feeds the booming construction industry in Delhi-NCR.

But are these mines operating within the law? Are safety norms being followed? And what does this relentless mining mean for the villages that sit in their shadow?

In the first part of our series ‘The Aravalli mess’, Newslaundry visited Pawana Ahir and Ajeetpura villages and found four mines operating at night. Three mines in Pawana Ahir had been restricted by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) from night operations, yet activity continued after dark.

Rohtas Yadav, a resident of Pawana Ahir, says he approached senior district officials. “At least let us sleep at night… koi nahin sunta hai. Jaate hain, ashwaasan dete hain (no one listens. They just give assurances when we go).” He points to homes and a school located close to the blasting sites. “Dying is better than living like this,” he says.

Village sarpanch Puranmal Khatik alleges there are no fixed operating hours. “Blasting happens even at 8 pm.”

In neighbouring Ajeetpura, the fourth mine – leased to National Limestone Company Private Limited – was, according to a DGMS official, permitted to operate after dark.

But locals dispute compliance. Netram, a village representative, claims mining norms are being violated. “Our children can’t sleep. Even our farm animals are affected.”

Mahendra Meena, another resident, says transportation may be permitted, but drilling machines cannot legally operate so close to homes.

So what is really happening on the ground? And how are villagers coping with the dust, noise and sleepless nights?

Watch.

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