Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has vowed to continue its crackdown on minor mineral theft, the mining mafia and the sand mafia until their activities are completely eliminated from the state.
Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena on Wednesday said that the new law to curb illegal mining is being enforced strictly, and the administration is fully committed to bringing an end to such unlawful practices.
Jena informed that raids are being carried out across various districts, and several vehicles involved in illegal sand transportation have already been seized. He said Tehsildars, Sub-Collectors, Collectors, and the police are working in close coordination to dismantle the sand mafia’s network and ensure that natural resources belonging to the people are not plundered.
Referring to the recent untoward incident at Betnoti police station, the Minister said a case has been registered and three persons have been arrested so far. “Everyone involved will face stern action. A similar incident had occurred earlier at Rasagobindapur, and in every such case, the state government has acted immediately,” he said.
Issuing a strong warning to those engaged in illegal sand mining, Jena added, “If the sand mafia think they can scare or intimidate this government, they are living under a delusion. No one can escape the government’s vigilance. Strong action will continue, and even bigger actions are coming in the future.”
The Minister reiterated that the government will not tolerate the looting of resources that rightfully belong to the common people and assured that the enforcement drive will only intensify in the days ahead.
