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TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 11, 2024: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee has raised concerns over the soaring prices of sand in the state, attributing the surge to the alleged patronage of the ruling BJP government. According to State Congress Communication Department Chairman Sushil Anand Shukla, the price of sand has skyrocketed to three times its previous rate, with trucks now selling sand worth Rs 8,000 for an exorbitant Rs 25,000. Shukla pointed to an apparent power struggle among BJP factions over control of sand mines, leading to what he described as a “mafia war” across the state.
Highlighting the previous Congress government’s efforts, Shukla emphasized the implementation of solid policies and transparent systems in all 450 sand mines under the supervision of the Mineral Development Corporation. During the Congress administration, loading charges at sand mines were capped at a maximum of Rs 450. However, under the current BJP regime, corruption and commission embezzlement have allegedly driven loading charges up to Rs 2,000, Rs 3,000, and even Rs 5,000. Shukla questioned whether the government lacks control over these exploitative practices or is complicit in them.
Furthermore, Shukla accused BJP leaders of fostering an environment conducive to illegal mining activities statewide. He cited instances of brazen attacks on mining officials and employees by the mining mafia, including a recent incident where 16 officers and employees of the Mineral Department were reportedly assaulted by members of the illegal mining syndicate in Hardidih Sand Ghat of Samoda near Arang in Raipur district. Shukla criticized the administration’s response, alleging whitewashing efforts and a lack of substantive action against the perpetrators, suggesting complicity between the illegal mining mafia and BJP leaders.
