District administration intensifies inspections; penalties exceeding ₹23 lakh recovered under mining regulations
Published on: April 29, 2026
By: BTNI
Acting on the directions of District Collector Jitendra Yadav, the Mineral Department has been continuously conducting enforcement drives against illegal mining and transportation activities across the district.
According to the Mining Officer, inspection teams carried out field visits in Ratapayli, Medha, Singarpur, and Arjuni villages to monitor illegal sand excavation and storage activities.
Field Inspections and Local Verification
During inspections, local sarpanches and villagers informed officials that machines and dumpers were not being used for sand extraction from the Shivnath River located near Ratapayli, as well as in Medha, Arjuni, and Singarpur areas.
To curb illegal sand excavation and storage, strict restrictions have been imposed. No large-scale sand storage, vehicles, machinery, or tractors involved in illegal operations were found at the sites. Officials noted that only small quantities of sand—approximately two to three trolley trips—were stored by villagers for residential construction purposes.
Strict Enforcement Under Mining Laws
The Mining Department reported that during the financial year 2025–26, a total of 89 cases related to illegal mining, transportation, and storage of mineral sand were registered under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
An amount of ₹23,70,800 was recovered as penalty and settlement charges, including:
- ₹3,54,400 from 4 cases of illegal mining
- ₹19,47,600 from 83 cases of illegal transportation
- ₹68,800 from 2 cases of illegal storage
In the financial year 2026–27, nine cases of illegal transportation have already been registered, with ₹2,14,200 deposited as penalty and settlement amount. Action in 12 additional cases is currently under process.
Vehicles Seized During Recent Operations
During inspections conducted on April 22, 2026, authorities seized a Mazda vehicle (CG 08 AJ 6801) owned by Om Prakash Sahu for illegal soil transportation. A tractor with trolley (CG 04 PB 6672), owned by Pilu Sahu and driven by Hirendra Kumar, was also intercepted for similar violations. Both vehicles were handed over to Ghumka Police Station.
On the same day, a 16-wheel Hyva truck (CG 08 AZ 4509) owned by Ankit Agrawal was seized for illegal transportation of limestone aggregate and handed over to Thelkadih Police Station.
Further action was taken on April 23, 2026, against a Mahindra tractor trolley transporting sand illegally by driver Churesh Kumar Sahu of Ratapayli. On April 27, 2026, another Hyva truck (CG 23-1778) driven by Rupesh Kumar from Haladuwa was seized for illegal transportation of limestone dust and handed over to Dongargaon Police Station.
All cases are being processed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Continuous Monitoring to Prevent Illegal Activities
The Mining Department stated that regular patrolling and surveillance are being conducted across the district to prevent illegal excavation, transportation, and storage of minerals. Officials reiterated that strict action will continue against violators to protect natural resources and ensure lawful mining practices.
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