Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, more than 20 trucks were seized for transporting sand without valid permits in the Khandapada area of Nayagarh district, Odisha.
The operation was carried out near Barakoli Chhak under the supervision of Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. According to sources, the Minister was returning from the Pushyabhishek event of Lord Neelamadhava at Kantilo when he noticed several trucks loaded with sand parked in the area. Suspecting illegal activity, he immediately directed officials to intercept the vehicles.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that none of the trucks had valid permits for transporting sand, which was being illegally extracted from the Mahanadi riverbank. Acting on the Minister’s instructions, the vehicles were seized and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The operation was conducted in the presence of Khandapada MLA Dusmanta Kumar Swain, Tehsildar Biswabisruta Tripathy, and local police officials.
This action underscores the state government’s commitment to curbing illegal sand mining and ensuring sustainable utilization of natural resources. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible for orchestrating the illegal transportation.
