Balodabazar, Chhattisgarh: Authorities in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar–Bhatapara district have intensified their crackdown on illegal sand mining, seizing six tractors loaded with sand during a late-night operation. The action has triggered panic among illegal sand operators in the region.
The operation was carried out on Saturday night in Bhanpur village under the Sonakhan tehsil, following repeated complaints of illegal sand extraction and transportation. The raid was conducted jointly by the Mining and Revenue Departments under the directions of District Collector Deepak Soni.
Tractors Found Transporting Sand Without Permits
Officials said a Revenue Department patrol team intercepted six tractors illegally transporting sand during routine surveillance. Upon inspection, the drivers failed to produce valid transport permits or authorization documents.
All six tractors were immediately seized and handed over to Rajadevari police station, where further legal proceedings are currently underway.
Strict Action on Collector’s Instructions
District officials said the administration has stepped up monitoring across all sand mining sites and sensitive areas in the district. Both regular inspections and surprise raids are being conducted to ensure illegal operators do not evade enforcement.
Collector Deepak Soni has issued clear instructions that illegal sand mining and transportation will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Officials noted that such activities not only cause significant revenue losses to the government but also disrupt river ecosystems and environmental balance.
Joint Task Force Intensifies Enforcement
To effectively control illegal sand operations, the district administration has formed a district-level task force comprising officials from the police, revenue, and mining departments. The joint team is conducting coordinated raids across multiple locations.
Officials said the collaborative approach has strengthened enforcement, as illegal sand mining is often organized and systematic. The presence of multiple departments has increased pressure on offenders and improved the effectiveness of action.
Environmental and Infrastructure Damage
According to administrative sources, illegal sand extraction leads to declining groundwater levels, increased soil erosion, and long-term environmental damage. In rural areas, the movement of heavy vehicles involved in sand transport has also damaged roads and increased the risk of accidents.
These factors, officials said, have prompted stricter enforcement measures across the district.
Fear Among Illegal Operators, More Action Expected
Following the seizure in Bhanpur, there is growing concern among those involved in illegal sand transport. Local discussions suggest the administration is no longer willing to compromise, and officials have indicated that this operation is only the beginning.
Authorities have confirmed that similar actions will continue in other parts of the district in the coming days.
The district administration has also urged citizens to report any information related to illegal sand mining or transportation. Officials assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.