Bhubaneswar, March 9: In a significant operation, Odisha Police has taken strong action against the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals in the Eastern Range over the past 24 hours.
Dr. Satyajit Naik, DIG of the Eastern Range, said that during the crackdown, police registered 19 cases, arrested 26 individuals, and seized 37 vehicles involved in the illegal activities.
In Balasore, 10 vehicles were confiscated, 7 cases were filed, and 10 people were arrested. In Mayurbhanj, 9 cases were registered, leading to the seizure of 9 vehicles and the arrest of 5 individuals. Meanwhile, in Bhadrak, 3 cases were registered, 17 vehicles were seized, and 16 individuals were arrested.
This enforcement action is part of the ongoing efforts by Odisha Police to combat illegal mining activities, which have adverse effects on the environment and contribute to the depletion of the state’s natural resources. The Odisha Police’s commitment to safeguarding the environment is highly commendable, underscoring the state's dedication to protecting its natural wealth.
It is important to note that sand mining is governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Orissa Mines and Minerals (Prevention of Theft, Smuggling, and Other Unlawful Activities) Act, 1988, and the Orissa Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued guidelines to ensure sustainable sand mining, alongside enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to curb illegal mining activities.
