Taking major action against illegal sand excavation and transportation in Chhattisgarh, the Mineral Department has seized 1740 cubic meters of sand and two Haiwa vehicles from Kagdehi village of Arang tehsil. The action was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.
Raipur. The state government is continuously taking strict steps against illegal sand excavation, transportation and storage in Chhattisgarh. Following the strict instructions of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Mineral Department has intensified action and monitoring across the state. Under the zero tolerance policy of the government, the departmental team is working day and night to control illegal activities.
Night patrolling, surprise inspections, raids and intensive surveillance operations are being carried out continuously by the Mineral Department. Apart from this, modern technologies like drones are also being used to keep an eye on illegal mining.
Illegal sand storage found in Kagdehi village of Arang tehsil
On the instructions of the Secretary and Director of the Mineral Resources Department, the Central Mining Flying Squad and the district level joint team conducted a surprise inspection in village Kagdehi of Arang tehsil. During the investigation, illegal storage of a large quantity of sand was found near the forest nursery located on the Samoda-Kagdehi road and south of Arya Petrol Pump. During investigation, it became clear that minor mineral ordinary sand was stored without valid permission, which is a violation of Chhattisgarh Mineral (Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules 2009.
1740 cubic meters of sand seized, major action by Mineral Department
After the illegal storage was confirmed, action was taken under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957. During this period approximately 1740 cubic meters of sand was seized. The seized sand has been handed over to Nagar Panchayat Samoda councilor Devendra Kumar Sahu so that further legal process can be completed.
Two Haiva vehicles engaged in illegal sand transportation also seized
During the investigation operation, the joint team of Mineral Department also seized two Haiwa vehicles being used in illegal sand transportation near village Samoda. After the action, both the vehicles were parked in the Arang police station premises. Departmental officials say that the campaign against illegal mining and sand smuggling will continue in the state and strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules.