Raipur: As per the orders of Collector Dr Gaurav Singh and under the leadership of Deputy Director (Mineral Administration) Mr Rajesh Malve, the staff of Mineral Department conducted a thorough investigation campaign against illegal mining and illegal storage of sand in Gobranwapara area on 18 and 19 May 2026 and took strict action.

An investigation conducted by the Assistant Mining Officer, Mining Inspector, and Mineral Staff revealed that sand was being illegally excavated from two chain-mounted Poclain machines in the Lakhna village sand quarry, outside the approved area and in violation of environmental conditions. Taking action, both Poclain machines were seized and sealed on the spot, and the illegal excavation work was immediately stopped.

In the same sequence, in the villages of Navagaon, Jaunda, Jaundi and Dagania of Tehsil Gobranwapara, Mr. Anil Kumar Sahu, Mr. Govind Sahu, Mr. Ishwar Patel, Mr. Pratap Sen, Mr. Triloki Sahu, Mr. Ajay Sahu and Mr. Manish Thakur were found to be illegally storing sand from Mahanadi without valid permission. Under the provisions of Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Rules 2015, the Mineral Department has confiscated all the illegal sand and issued a notice to the concerned illegal storers seeking their explanation.

Deputy Director of Minerals, Mr. Rajesh Malve, stated that to effectively control the illegal excavation, transportation, and storage of mineral sand in the district, the mineral staff is continuously patrolling the areas mentioned above and taking action. Anyone found involved in illegal activities will be prosecuted as per the rules.