Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb unauthorized sand extraction, the Odisha government has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sand mining. The Steel and Mines Department has issued the SOP, which aims to ensure sustainable sand mining practices in the state.
A special committee will be formed in each district, headed by the District Collector, to oversee sand mining activities. The committee will comprise members from various departments, including the sub-Collector, SP, DFO, and District Development Officer. The Revenue Department ADM, District Mining Officer, two BDOs, and two Tehsildars will also be part of the committee, with the Additional Project Director serving as the convener.
The committee will identify suitable sand mining sites, taking into account the requirements of the area. As per the OMMC 2016 rules, the sand mining process will be under the supervision of the BDO for a period of five years. The District Mining Officer will assist the BDO in preparing the mining plan, and a survey will be conducted to determine the boundaries of the sand mining sites.
At the Panchayat level, a committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the sarpanch to monitor sand mining activities. The committee will keep a close eye on leaseholders, maintain a register of sand extraction, and ensure security personnel guard the quarry. To prevent sand theft, a team will work under the tehsildar, and CCTV cameras will be installed at every sand ghat.
While the new SOP aims to regulate sand mining and prevent illegal extraction, experts have raised doubts about its effectiveness in preventing sand theft. The administration has already launched a crackdown on illegal sand mining in various districts.
