Section 163 imposed on stone quarry to curb illegal smuggling

In a decisive action against illegal stone transportation, the Balasore district administration on Tuesday imposed Section 163 across the Khajamahal stone quarry in Soro starting today. The move comes after weeks of intensified raids aimed at preventing large-scale stone smuggling during the monsoon.

Balasore District Collector Suryabanshi Mayur Vikas, along with the Sub-Collector, Tehsildar, Mining Officer and Forest Department officials, conducted a detailed inspection of the quarry earlier today. Following the inspection, the Collector ordered immediate enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to curb unauthorised operations.

24×7 Police Outpost and CCTV Surveillance

To strengthen monitoring, authorities have set up a temporary police outpost equipped with round-the-clock security personnel and CCTV cameras. This is expected to act as a major deterrent to illegal activities, especially at night when stone smugglers have been most active.

Also Read: Odisha proposes Rs 400 crore demand budget for Steel and Mines Dept for FY26

String of Raids After Illegal Blasting

In recent weeks, the stone mafia allegedly carried out illegal blasting during the monsoon and transported hundreds of truckloads of stone out of Khajamahal. Despite multiple raids by the Mining Department, Forest officials and district police, smuggling continued unabated.

"Last month, I conducted immediate raids and imposed fines on three crusher units. Two days ago, the Collector also penalised another crusher unit. Just yesterday, I sent a team to inspect the area. Whenever we visit crusher units, we impose fines and put the stone quarries up for auction. Yet, despite these measures, grievances continue to rise. Today, I have come here with officials from all concerned departments to take stronger control of the situation. We have discussed setting up a police outpost at the site. CCTV cameras will be installed at every exit route, monitored directly by the outpost. This surveillance system will help prevent illegal blasting and other unauthorised activities in the mines," said Suryabanshi Mayur Vikas, Balasore District Collector

Seeing the persistent violations, the administration escalated the crackdown. The Collector’s decision to invoke Section 163 marks the strongest action taken so far to shut down illegal operations.

With Section 163 now in force and surveillance tightened, the Balasore district administration hopes to put a decisive stop to illegal stone mining and smuggling. Authorities have warned that any violation will attract strict legal consequences.