Bhubaneswar: A penalty of Rs 16,17,000 has been imposed as a compounding fine for illegal sand mining and transportation from the Nagavali River bed in Rayagada district during the 2024-2025 period.
This was informed by the Commerce and Transport MinisterBibhuti Bhusan Jena in the state assembly on Thursday.
In response to a question from Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, Minister Jena clarified that enforcement measures are promptly taken whenever any irregular sand mining activities are identified in the Nagavali River bed.
He highlighted that there are eight (8) authorized sand sources in the riverbed area.
The Minister further outlined the steps being taken to monitor and regulate sand extraction:
- The sand sources have been identified by the DRS committee for inclusion in the DSR, ensuring they meet the parameters outlined in the Sand Policy and DSR guidelines.
- Following identification, the boundaries of the sand sources are demarcated with the help of DGPS surveys conducted by ORSAC.
- Boundary pillars are placed at the corner points to clearly mark the sand source limits.
- Lessees have been strictly instructed to install CCTV cameras and signboards within the quarry area for effective monitoring of sand mining and transportation activities.
- Lessees are also required to maintain a daily dispatch register at the site.
- The transportation of sand is continuously monitored through the i4MS portal to ensure compliance with regulations.
- To prevent illegal sand extraction and minimize negative environmental impacts, an annual replenishment study is conducted twice a year via drone surveys carried out by ORSAC-empaneled agencies, as per the Sand Policy 2020 guidelines.
- A District Level Task Force, Tahsil Level Committee, and Sub-Divisional Level Committee have been formed in Rayagada district to actively monitor and curb illegal sand mining and transportation activities.
Minister Jena emphasized the commitment of the state government to enforce strict monitoring and regulatory measures to safeguard the environment and prevent illegal sand mining practices in the region.
