Chhattisgarh Enforces Zero‑Tolerance Policy on Unlicensed Sand and Stone Extraction
Rai pur – Under a stringent zero‑tolerance policy proclaimed by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Chhattisgarh’s mineral department has intensified its battle against illegal mining activities. The department’s recent operations have focused on shutting down unauthorised sand pits, stone quarries and gravel deposits, while also targeting the logistics chain that moves these materials into the market.
In the district of Rajnandgaon, officials recorded 52 separate offences for FY 2026‑27, imposing fines that total Rs 18,95,600. The breakdown includes nine cases of illicit extraction, 41 cases of illegal transport, and two violations concerning unauthorised storage. A surprise check in the village of Asara, Dongargarh tehsil, verified that sand extraction was already prohibited on the river, and no illegal activity was observed on that spot.
Balod’s Kasahi village saw a chain‑mountain crushing unit (PC‑130‑7) confiscated and sealed after the operators were unable to produce valid mining clearance certificates. The equipment is now subject to proceedings under the Minerals Development and Regulation Act of 1957.
In Balrampur, a tipper used for moving sand without a licence was seized in the villages of Narsinghpur and Basantpur. Additionally, approximately 90 m³ of sand stored without permission at a fly‑ash brick manufacturing unit in Basantpur was seized, and the plant’s operator was issued a formal notice.
Sarangarh district officials, acting on public complaints, impounded six vehicles – comprising a JCB, a tractor and several tipper trucks – employed in the unauthorised extraction and transport of soil, laterite, sand and gravel. According to the amended 2015 Sub‑Mineral Rules, a minimum concession fee of Rs 25,000 or Rs 2,000 per tonne (whichever is higher) will be levied, together with the prevailing market price of the mineral.
The department has pledged that routine patrols, sudden inspections and collaborative enforcement drives will continue unabated, as directed by the chief minister, to safeguard the state’s mineral resources.