TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 14, 2025: In a bid to effectively control illegal sand mining and transportation while ensuring a steady supply of sand for crucial construction projects, the Secretary of the Mineral Resources Department, Shri P. Dayanand, held a detailed review meeting with district collectors and mineral officers across major districts of Chhattisgarh. The video conference, aimed at addressing issues related to sand mining, comes ahead of the monsoon season and emphasizes stricter enforcement of laws.
Shri Dayanand stressed that controlling illegal mining and ensuring the timely availability of sand for construction and development is a priority for the government. He instructed that district-level task forces should be vigilant and take strict action against any illegal mining and transportation activities. “The government will not tolerate any negligence in protecting mineral revenue,” he asserted.
Action Against Illegal Mining and Transport
During the meeting, Shri Dayanand directed that all sand mining should be conducted strictly from approved mines, adhering to the environmental guidelines and prescribed limits. He clarified that only legally authorized sand sources should be used, and severe penalties should be imposed on any operations violating these rules.
In light of the increased demand for sand, the Secretary ordered that in the next three months, a maximum number of sand mines should be identified, with tenders issued for their allotment through e-auctions. Priority will be given to larger mines of over five hectares to meet the state’s construction needs.
Ensuring Sand Supply for Key Projects
With the monsoon season approaching, which halts mining activities from June 10 to October 15, officials were also instructed to make advance plans for maintaining adequate sand reserves. This includes approving storage licenses for sand to ensure that critical projects, like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other construction works, are not delayed due to a shortage of materials.
Shri Dayanand also emphasized that the management of sand resources would be a key factor in evaluating the performance of mineral officers, urging them to prioritize compliance with the government’s directives.
The meeting concluded with a clear message: only legal and regulated sand supply channels will be supported, and strict vigilance will be maintained to ensure the smooth progress of construction and development activities across the state.
