Published on: July 13, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Acting on the directions of Collector Jitendra Yadav, the Rajnandgaon district administration has intensified its crackdown against the illegal extraction, storage, and transportation of minerals. A joint team of the Mining and Revenue Departments recently conducted inspections in Kariyatola and nearby villages under Dongargaon development block, taking action against illegal sand storage.
Illegal Sand Stockpile Found at Kariyatola
During the inspection, officials found approximately nine tractor-trolley loads of sand illegally stored on a plot enclosed with green net fencing near the cremation ground in Kariyatola village. The land belongs to Yashwant Sahu, a resident of Dongargaon.
As the landowner failed to produce valid documents related to the stored sand, the authorities issued a notice seeking an explanation.
Additional Illegal Sand Dumps Removed
The inspection team also detected around five Hyva truckloads of illegally stored sand at three different locations on government and private land near the Kariyatola–Kohka Road in the Matiya area.
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The illegally stored sand was removed using JCB machines and Hyva trucks and dumped near the Khujji Bridge on the Shivnath River as part of the enforcement action.
₹18.95 Lakh Penalty Recovered in FY 2026–27
According to the District Mining Officer, during the 2026–27 financial year, authorities have registered 52 cases related to the illegal transportation, extraction, and storage of sand and recovered a total penalty of ₹18,95,600.
The action includes:
- 41 cases of illegal transportation – ₹10,33,200 recovered.
- 9 cases of illegal extraction – ₹7,20,600 recovered.
- 2 cases of illegal storage – ₹1,41,800 recovered.
All cases are being processed under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Surveillance to Continue
The Mining Department stated that continuous patrolling and surveillance are being carried out across the district to prevent illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. Officials said strict legal action will continue against violators to protect natural resources and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
