Bhadrak: The Bhadrak district administration has clamped down on rampant illegal sand mining in the Baitarani riverbed by invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, imposing a complete ban on sand extraction and transportation in several vulnerable stretches.
According to orders issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the prohibitory orders follow reports from the Mines Department and local inquiry officers highlighting large-scale illegal operations in Bhandaripokhari area. The affected villages include Jhutana, Bada Banasta, Balipur, Nareda, Tikira and Balipokhari.
It was learnt that antisocial elements and organized sand mafias were using tractors, hyvas, and JCB machines to illegally extract sand from the riverbed. Temporary access roads were also created to transport the illegally mined sand.
The unchecked mining has led to falling groundwater levels, severe riverbank erosion, and large-scale ecological damage. Officials also noted that the growing dominance of sand mafias was threatening public peace and law and order in the region.
As per the decision, the administration has imposed a complete ban on extraction, lifting, and transportation of sand from the listed plots without valid lease/permission.
As per the decision, tractors, hyvas, JCBs and other machinery cannot be used for sand mining without permits. Violators will face prosecution under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2024 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
The administration has directed the Tahasildar and IIC, Bhandaripokhari Police Station, to conduct joint checks and raids to ensure strict implementation. The order has been announced publicly and will remain in force until further notice.
On Tuesday, Junior Mines Officer Soumya Ranjan Diwedi visited the sites and destroyed two illegal access roads built for sand smuggling. The prohibitory order covers specific plots in mouzas including Jaganthprasad, Tikira, Jasotikiri, and Balipur.
