- 9 vehicles involved in murum excavation and illegal sand transportation seized, creating panic among mineral mafia
Under the state government’s zero tolerance policy, strict action is being taken continuously against illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is committed to conserving natural resources and preventing illegal exploitation of mineral wealth. In this connection, the Mineral Department has taken major action in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, seizing a total of nine vehicles involved in illegal gravel mining and sand transportation.
On the instructions of Collector Dr. Santosh Dewangan, the District Mineral Flying Squad team launched a special campaign in various areas of the district and took this action. During the campaign, on receiving information about illegal sand mining in the Seoni and Marwahi areas, the Mineral Department team reached the spot and inspected. After the investigation confirmed illegal mining, two JCB machines and three tractor vehicles were seized. All the seized vehicles have been kept safe in the respective police stations.
Similarly, four tractor vehicles were seized after being found illegally transporting sand in the Marwahi, Kolbira, and Kotmi areas. Department officials stated that legal action was taken in all cases under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Vehicle owners will be released only after paying the fines as required by law.
- Government committed to protect natural resources
The state government considers mineral resources to be public property and prioritizes their conservation and legitimate use. Illegal mining and transportation not only cause revenue losses to the government but also pose a serious challenge to environmental balance and the conservation of natural resources. Therefore, the state government has issued a clear message of zero tolerance against illegal mining and has directed continuous monitoring and strict action.
The Collector directed officials to maintain effective control over illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals in the district and to take consistent and strict action against those found guilty. He stated that conservation of mineral resources is a priority for the government, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.
- There was a stir among the mineral mafia
The Mineral Department’s continuous action has created panic among those involved in illegal mining and transportation in the district. Regular monitoring is being conducted in sensitive areas of the district, and immediate action is being taken upon receiving complaints. This is helping to effectively control illegal activities.
- The campaign against illegal mining will continue.
The Mineral Department has clarified that the campaign against illegal mining, transportation, and storage in the district will continue. In accordance with the state government’s stated intention to protect natural resources, preserve the environment, and safeguard revenue interests, strict action will be taken in such cases. The administration has also appealed to the public to immediately report any illegal mining activity to the administration so that effective action can be taken in a timely manner.
Due to the strong will of the state government and the activeness of the district administration, the noose is continuously tightening on the mineral mafia. Assistant Mining Officer Aditya Mankar, Mining Inspector Sujit Kanwar, Mineral Constable Shivkumar Lahare, City Soldier Satish Sahu, and Sahib Ghani played a key role in this action.