The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Monday launched a Statewide surprise inspection drive titled ‘Operation Earth Guard’ following intelligence inputs about widespread irregularities, violations and corruption in the excavation and transportation of ordinary earth across the State, officials said.
According to VACB, the operation was initiated on the directions of Vigilance director Manoj Abraham and commenced at 10.30 am across Kerala.
Based on intelligence inputs, VACB teams conducted simultaneous inspections at all 14 district Mining and Geology offices, 58 selected local self-government institutions, and various sites where illegal earth removal had been reported, officials said.
In total, raids are being conducted at 72 offices and multiple locations across the State as part of the operation.
Permits misused: officials
