Jagatsinghpur admin cracks down on illegal sand mining; heavy machinery, trucks seized

In a major crackdown on alleged illegal sand mining, the Jagatsinghpur district administration conducted a late-night raid on Wednesday at an unauthorised sand ghat near Kulasahi under Raghunathpur police station limits.

The operation was led by the District Collector and carried out in the presence of the Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Collector, indicating a coordinated enforcement effort against unlawful extraction activities.

Machinery, Trucks Seized; 9 Arrested

During the midnight operation, authorities seized two poclain machines and more than 20 sand-laden Hyva trucks reportedly engaged in illegal transportation. Nine drivers were arrested in connection with the alleged unauthorised mining and transport activities.

Officials said the vehicles and equipment were being used for extraction without valid permission.

Allegations of Prolonged Illegal Activity

According to allegations, sand had been illegally mined and transported from the Kulasahi ghat for several days without any government tender. The alleged unauthorised operations had reportedly continued for a prolonged period before the administration launched the raid.

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Ghat Sealed, Police Deployed

Following the crackdown, the Kulasahi sand ghat has been sealed to prevent further illegal extraction. Police personnel have been deployed at the site to maintain law and order and ensure that no further unauthorised operations take place.

Authorities stated that strict monitoring will continue as part of ongoing enforcement measures against illegal sand mining in the district.