Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb the rampant illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja held a high-level video conference with Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from across the state. The meeting focused on intensifying enforcement activities and identifying new sources of minor minerals to ensure their legal and sustainable extraction.
During the conference, Chief Secretary Ahuja issued strict instructions to district officials to conduct massive enforcement drives targeting illegal mining and transportation activities. He emphasized the need for joint raids on sand and stone quarries, checking illegal mining at the source, and booking offenders as per the law. Vehicles involved in illegal transportation of minerals or operating without E-Transit Passes will be seized immediately.
Collectors have also been instructed to survey and identify new sources of minor minerals like sand and black stone. Each district is required to identify new sources equivalent to 150% of their current reserves. District Survey Reports for these new sources must be prepared by August 2025, with auctions targeted for completion by October 2025. The expansion of legal mining sources aims to ease the availability of minor minerals, stabilize prices, and reduce illegal mining activities.
The enforcement strategy will be jointly decided by Collectors and SPs, ensuring a coordinated effort across districts. Sub-Divisional and Tahsil-level teams, comprising revenue, mining, police, and other officials, will conduct regular raids. The focus will be on strict action against illegal mining and transportation, as well as the promotion of legal and sustainable mining practices.
Chief Secretary Ahuja highlighted that the initiative is not only aimed at curbing illegal activities but also at ensuring the availability of minor minerals at reasonable prices for consumers. The move is expected to boost the state’s revenue while safeguarding natural resources.
The video conference was attended by senior officials from the Revenue, Mining, and Police departments, who reiterated their commitment to implementing the directives effectively.
