Chattisgarh: Under the illegal sand mining operation launched by CM Baghe, a joint team of the Traffic police, officials from Pendra and Kotmi PS nabbed 8 tractors transporting sand illegally from village Silphahari under Pendra Police Station. The accused have been taken under custody and the confiscated vehicles have been handed over to the Mineral Dept for further action.

Following an order from the govt, Gaurela Pendra Marwahi (GPM) police confiscated around 6 tractors under the Mining Act ferrying sand illegally from the banks of Son river. Prior to this 14 tractors were seized in two other cases.

CM Bhupesh in a surprising announcement on 28th January 2022, warned of strong disciplinary action against collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) if they fail to curb illegal sand mining in their respective districts in the state.

“Illegal sand mining should not take place in any district and if complaints are received in this regard, then collectors and SPs will be personally accountable for it. If action is not taken against illegal mining, the responsibility of the district officials will be fixed and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them,” the release quoted the chief minister as saying.

Collectors and SPs were instructed to physically visit the spots wherever such illegal activity was taking place. He also instructed the Mineral department to conduct stringent inspections on a regular basis.