Sand Mines Closed in State Until October 15

There is now a ban on the excavation and transportation of sand from sand mines in rivers and streams in Chhattisgarh. Sand mines will now be operational only after October 15. For the next four months, sand traders will act arbitrarily and common consumers will get sand at high prices for houses or other construction work. In view of the monsoon, some licensees have stored sand at many places by taking licenses. At the same time, complaints of illegal storage of sand are also being received at many places.

According to the Mineral Resources Department, sand excavation in rivers and streams will be completely banned from June 10 to October 15 during the rainy season. In the order issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, mining operations in rivers have been banned during the rainy season. In view of this, the Directorate of Geology and Mining in the state has directed all collectors and mineral officers to ensure necessary action. Even in environmentally approved sand mines, sand excavation and transportation work will be able to start only after October 15. Some sand mines are already closed due to non-receipt of environmental approval. Despite this, complaints of illegal mining and transportation of sand from rivers and streams are continuously being received.