P Dayanand’s Clear Directive to Collectors: Strict Action Must Be Taken Against illegal Sand Mining

Secretary of Mineral Resources Department Shri P Dayanand holds a major virtual meeting with Collectors of 11 key sand-supplying districts

Ensure no shortage of sand in the state; approved mines must produce as per capacity and supply sand to the public at reasonable rates

Chhattisgarh Government strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals

Strict compliance of royalty-free sand supply for beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana; no illegal activities under its cover

Chhattisgarh government, in line with its commitment to good governance and transparency, is strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has taken a firm stand on the issue, making it clear that no leniency will be shown in cases involving revenue loss or illegal activities. He has also directed that sand be made available to the public at reasonable rates.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Mineral Resources Department has remained consistently active and reviews are being conducted regularly. In this context, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Shri P Dayanand held a video conference meeting recently with Collectors of 11 major sand-supplying districts—Raipur, Bilaspur, Balodabazar, Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Baikunthpur, Balrampur, and Kanker—to conduct a detailed review of mining operations.

Clear instructions were issued in the meeting to ensure that there is no shortage of sand supply in the state. All approved sand mines must operate at full capacity, and sand should be made available to the public at reasonable rates. It was also directed that orders regarding royalty-free sand supply to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana be strictly followed, ensuring that no illegal mining activities are carried out under its cover.

Reviewing the auction process of sand mines, Shri Dayanand noted that more than 100 percent of auctions have been completed in Gariaband, Kanker, and Janjgir-Champa districts, while progress in Dhamtari, Bilaspur, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Baikunthpur is yet to gain pace. Expressing strong displeasure, he directed the concerned Collectors to ensure immediate auction of the remaining mines. He further instructed that mining plans and environmental clearances for auctioned sites be completed on priority and reviewed weekly. He also directed identification of illegal mining areas, continuous enforcement action, and prompt response to complaints and media reports.

He clearly stated that if the central flying squad of the Mineral Department has to take action against illegal mining in any district, it reflects negligence on the part of the concerned district administration and their lack of seriousness. He added that the Chief Minister has previously expressed strong displeasure over such lapses.

At the end of the meeting, Shri P. Dayanand firmly instructed that the Chief Minister’s directions must be strictly followed. If illegal mining is found in any district through drone surveys or inspections by the central flying squad, responsibility will be fixed on the District Collector and mineral officials, and strict action will be taken against them, for which they themselves will be held accountable.