02 Chain Mountain Seals, 03 Hiva and 04 tractors were also seized after being found carrying out illegal transportation.

Raipur, May 22, 2026 // In accordance with the state government's mandate, the Mineral Resources Department is continuously taking strict action against illegal sand mining and transportation. The department's field staff is actively conducting monitoring and investigation campaigns.

In line with this, a joint team of the Central Mineral Flying Squad and the district-level Mineral Department conducted a surprise inspection in Mahasamund district on the morning of May 22, 2026, as directed by the Secretary and Director. During the inspection, two chain-mounted machines were found engaged in illegal sand mining in the Jonk River in village Baldidih, Pithora tehsil, Mahasamund district. Three heavy vehicles and four tractors were also found transporting sand.

During the investigation, the parties involved were unable to produce any valid permissions, orders, transit passes, or other necessary documents regarding mining outside the approved sand mining area, mining with chain-mounted machines, or transportation by heavy vehicles and tractors.

During this, illegal sand mining was stopped on the spot and both the machines were seized and sealed under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The machines have been handed over to the mine clerk till further orders. Also, a notice has been issued and served to the concerned mine operator. Apart

from this, 03 heavy vehicles and 04 tractors have been seized and parked in the police station premises under the custody of the nearby police station Sakra. During the action, the joint investigation team of the Central Mineral Flying Squad and district level officers were present.