In a determined effort to curb illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has issued strict directives to district functionaries across the state.
During a video conference with Collectors, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police, Ahuja emphasized the need for a massive enforcement drive to combat these unlawful activities.
District authorities have been instructed to:
- Conduct raids on sand and stone quarries to halt illegal mining at the source.
- Book offenders under applicable laws and ensure swift legal action.
- Seize vehicles involved in the unauthorized transport of minerals without an E-Transit Pass.
- Develop new sources of sand and black stone, aiming to increase availability by 150% of current sources.
The enforcement strategy will be coordinated jointly by Collectors and SPs, with support from Sub-Divisional and Tahsil level teams comprising Revenue, Mining, Police, and other officials.
Survey reports for new mining sources are to be completed by August, with auctions scheduled for October this year. These measures aim to ensure a steady supply of minor minerals at reasonable prices and to prevent illegal mining activities.
The Chief Secretary’s directives mark a significant step towards sustainable and legal mining practices in Odisha. As the crackdown intensifies, authorities hope to bring about a positive change in the state’s mining sector.
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