Action taken on illegal mining and illegal transportation

Dantewada. Continuous action is being taken by the district administration on illegal sand mining. In this series, as per the instructions of Collector Vineet Nandanwar, action was taken against illegal mining and transportation of sand by surprise inspection in Balud and Masenar areas of the district. Taking action, the mineral team seized seven vehicles of Anil Gawade and 6 other persons involved in illegal mining. Along with this, 6 tractors involved in illegal transportation of sand were seized. During the proceedings, action is being taken under the Mineral Act after the vehicles of Rajkumar Thakur, Rajesh Bhaskar, Bholeshwar Dewan, Balram Markam, Khemraj Thakur and Vishwanath Kumar were seized.

A total of 07 vehicles of illegal mining and a total of 06 vehicles of illegal transport were seized when they were found excavating and transporting minerals on behalf of the drivers without valid transit pass. In all cases Ch. Punitive action will be ensured under Rule 71 of Minor Mineral Rules 2015 read with Section 21(5) of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act 1957. In the past also the mineral contractors/mineral transporters of the district have been directed that transportation of minerals without valid transit pass is a punishable offence. Therefore, punitive action will be taken against illegal excavators and transporters for doing similar acts again. Mineral officer Cherpa said that the district administration is alert and serious to stop illegal mineral mining and transportation. Further action will be taken on illegal mining and transportation of minerals. Employees of Ashwani Jhari, Mines Inspector and District Mineral Investigation Team were present in the above proceedings.