Chhattisgarh’s Mining Department has cracked down on sand and gravel mining, taking 11 heavy trucks transporting sand and gravel materials in a major move to stop illegal operations in Arang. Enforcement teams that were hired to check suspected illegal mineral transport routes followed strict instructions from the district authorities and senior official from the mining industry, and carried out an overnight inspection drive. It is claimed that the operation has induced panic in persons engaged in illegal mining and transportation network in the area.
Officials said it was done under the supervision of Deputy Director Rajesh Malve and Assistant Mining Officer Umesh Bhargava. The police stopped 10 Hyva trucks that were transporting sand during the intensive checking campaign and one truck transporting gravels. This led officials to ask drivers to present them with royalty receipts and a valid transportation permit, but drivers declined to show the necessary documentation.
After they were verified, all 11 of the vehicles were taken by the mineral transportation department. Handed over to Arang and Gidhpuri police stations is safe while legal proceedings are pending. Authorities have filed cases against the custom owners of the vehicle pertaining Chhattisgarh Mineral Excavation, Transportation and Storage Rules.
Mining Inspector Priya Sinha and Supervisor Sunil Dutt Sharma led the operation, with the support of the enforcement personnel and the field staff. The authorities have taken steps to check illegal extraction and transportation activities in the area by continuous monitoring and surprise inspections in recent months, officials said.
The mining department has stated the campaign would be ongoing and that there would be still measures against those carrying out mining operations without permission. Efforts to sustain enforcement are expected to help save natural resources and to make the state unprofitable.