- Rapid operations in Rajnandgaon, Balod, Balrampur and Surguja, vehicles seized and fines worth lakhs of rupees imposed
On the instructions of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Mineral Department is conducting a strict and sustained campaign against illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals in the state. Under the government’s zero-tolerance policy, joint operations have been conducted in various districts, seizing vehicles involved in the illegal mining and transportation of sand, stone, soil, and gravel. Fines and legal action are being taken as per the rules. The government’s objective is to ensure the conservation of the state’s mineral resources and take strict action against those involved in illegal mining.
In this regard, during the financial year 2026-27, in Rajnandgaon district, action has been taken in 52 cases of illegal sand mining, transportation, and storage, resulting in fines of ₹18,95,600. These include 9 cases of illegal mining, 41 cases of transportation, and 2 cases of storage. Meanwhile, during a surprise inspection in the village of Asra in Dongargarh tehsil, sand mining in the river was found to be prohibited, and no illegal activity was found on the spot. A chain mountain (PC-130-7) machine was seized and sealed after being found illegally excavating stones in the village of Kashi in Balod district. The parties involved failed to produce valid documents, prompting action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
In Balrampur district, the Mineral Department conducted operations in the villages of Narsinghpur and Basantpur in the Rajpur area and seized a tipper truck involved in illegal sand transportation. Approximately 90 cubic meters of sand illegally stored at a fly ash brick unit in Basantpur was also seized, and a notice was issued to the operator. In Surguja district, based on complaints, six vehicles, including a JCB, a tractor, and a tipper truck, were seized during operations at various locations involved in the illegal excavation and transportation of soil, gravel, sand, and gravel. In all cases, action is being taken under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the amended Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Rules, 2015. According to the amended rules, the mitigation fee will now be charged at a minimum of 25,000 rupees or 2,000 rupees per ton, whichever is higher. In addition, the market value of the mineral will also be charged. The Mineral Department has clarified that, as directed by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, regular patrols, surprise inspections, and joint enforcement campaigns will continue to effectively curb illegal mining activities in the state.
