Illegal sand and mineral mafias will face zero tolerance: Odisha Minister

Odisha Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena issued a stern warning on Wednesday to sand and major mineral mafias operating in the State. Sand mafias, major mineral smugglers, and organised illegal miners will face stringent action with no exceptions, the Minister said.

Also Read: Tehsildar brutally attacked by sand mafias in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

The new laws regulating mining will be enforced rigorously, and anyone involved in theft or illegal extraction will be dealt with severely, the Minister stressed.

Raids have already been conducted across various districts, resulting in vehicle seizures and arrests. Besides, the tehsildars, Sub-Collectors, District Collectors, and police are working in coordinated efforts to curb illegal activities of the sand mafias.

The Minister made it clear that anyone attempting to intimidate or evade any government enforcement is gravely mistaken. Minister Jena also warned that, in such cases, larger and more stringent actions would follow.

Recently, in a notable incident under Betanoti police limits, cases have been registered, and three individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal sand smuggling.

“It has been decided that e-auction will not be conducted anymore, and e-lotteries will be held, and capping will be done instead. Complete balance will be maintained. Maximum Sale Price (MSP) will be fixed based on cost of production, and ancillary expenses, statutory royalty, DMF and EMF, surface rent, along with profit, etc,” the Mines Minister said.

“Persons or organisations having experience in the extraction of minerals will only be allowed to take part in the e-lottery after a technical clearance,” the Minister stated.

Worth mentioning, earlier yesterday, tension flared in Baripada town of Mayurbhanj district after sand mafias allegedly attacked the newly appointed Betanoti tehsildar. The incident took place soon after the official seized a vehicle illegally transporting sand.

It is said that the sand mafias intercepted the Betanoti tehsildar and launched an attack in retaliation. The officer’s driver suffered severe head injuries after being struck by the assailants, who fled the scene following the assault.