Raipur: Acting on inputs regarding illegal sand excavation, the Central Mineral Flying Squad and District-level inspection teams recently conducted a surprise midnight inspection in Bilaspur district and seized three chain-mounted machines engaged in unlawful mining activities in the Shivnath River.

The action comes as part of the state government’s intensified drive against illegal sand mining being carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. The Mineral Department, under the guidance of the Department’s Secretary and Director, has been conducting continuous monitoring across mining zones through central and district-level enforcement teams to curb illegal extraction and prevent revenue loss to the state exchequer.

According to officials, the joint inspection team carried out raids in village Udaibandh and Amaldiha under Pachpedi tehsil of Bilaspur district, where illegal sand mining through heavy machinery was found underway in the Shivnath River. The machine operators fled the location immediately after spotting the inspection team, leaving the machinery behind.

The Mineral Department subsequently initiated action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Two chain-mounted machines were seized and sealed in village Udaibandh, while one machine was seized in Amaldiha. Notices seeking explanations were also issued and affixed on the surface of the seized machines.

During the operation, officials of the Mineral Department stated that strict action against illegal activities causing revenue loss to the government will continue in the future as well.