Odisha govt collected Rs 126 crore in fines for illegal mining: Minister in Assembly

The Odisha government has reported significant action against illegal minor mineral mining and transportation, with Rs 126 crore collected in fines between 2022 and October 2025, according to a written reply by Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in the State Assembly.

The Minister on Thursday stated that Rs 655 crore in revenue has been collected in the current financial year up to September. To curb illegal transportation, authorities have conducted 15,187 seizures across 30 districts.

A total of 3,219 cases have been registered, resulting in fines amounting to Rs 126.51 crore. Eleven sensitive tehsils have been identified as hotspots for illegal sand mining, including Dharmashala, Jharasuguda, Pipili, Tangi, Marshaghai, Barang, Kanihal, Jaleswar, Hindol, Purushottampur, and Raghunathpur.

The Mines Department highlighted that Hindol, Purushottampur, and Raghunathpur recorded the highest instances of minor mineral theft, prompting enhanced monitoring and enforcement in these areas.

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Officials stressed that continued vigilance and strict enforcement measures are crucial to protecting the state’s mineral resources and ensuring legal compliance among contractors and traders.