Illegal sand mining busted

MAHASAMUND,CG(INDIA): Acting on instructions to curb illegal mining activities, the Department of Minerals in Mahasamund district carried out a successful operation on Monday in Gram Panchayat Khamtarai, near the Mahanadi region. During the raid, two vehicles were seized for illegally mining and transporting sand.

One of the vehicles, a Hiwa truck (registration number CG 06 HA 9377), was caught transporting sand without authorization. The truck was being operated by Suraj Bharti, a resident of Baghatra Temple, Hasaud. Alongside the truck, a chain-mounted excavator (machine number SANY210 OE1019) was also found at the site. The identity of the excavator's driver remains unknown.

The Department of Minerals confirmed that illegal excavation and transportation of minerals is a serious offense. As per Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, offenders may face imprisonment ranging from two to five years. A formal complaint will be filed in court regarding this incident.

Officials reiterated that clear warnings have already been issued to all mineral leaseholders and transporters: mining, transporting, or storing minerals without proper authorization is a legal violation and will attract strict action.