The Odisha government has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sand mining, aiming to combat illegal extraction and ensure sustainable mining practices across the state.
The initiative, overseen by the minor minerals directorate of the Steel and Mines Department, mandates district-level committees led by the District Collector and panchayat-level committees headed by the Sarpanch to monitor sand mining activities. These committees will utilize advanced technologies, such as CCTV surveillance, to enhance transparency and security.
The SOP further stipulates that under the OMMC 2016 rules, the Block Development Officer (BDO) will supervise mining activities for a period of five years, in collaboration with other officials. Security measures like on-site guards and strict record-keeping will also be implemented.
This framework is designed not only to safeguard natural resources but also to curtail the influence of sand mafias, fostering a more structured and lawful approach to mineral extraction.
