With the collusion of Panchayat representatives, illegal mining and transportation of sand is continuing in Bastar district without any fear of law. According to sources, applications seeking environmental clearance of 12 sand mines in the district are still pending. In spite of this, sand mines of lohandiguda, Jagdalpur and Bastar blocks are engaged in illicit transportation of sand and Department of Mineral Resources has no control over it. On the direction of Government, all the sand mines were closed a year ago. Gram Panchayat was authorised for running those sand mines. Since sand comes under the category of minor mineral, the revenue generated from it is deposited in the Panchayat treasury.
It has been learnt that at present, with the collusion of Panchayat representatives, illegal mining and transportation of sand is being done in various blocks of the district. In compliance with the apex court order, Mineral Department had conducted survey of sand mines in the district and sent a report to the government. But, till date no action has been taken. Sand mines of all other divisions were given environmental clearance but the proposal of sand mines in Bastar is still pending. Meanwhile, District Mining Officer Aasi Netam informed that inspections are being conducted by the department against illegal mining and transportation of sand on several occasions and cases have been registered against the violators.