Jamshedpur: The Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi on Tuesday ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at all sand dealers’ stockyards to ensure continuous monitoring and mandated the issuance of challans for every lifting. He instructed officials to conduct surprise inspections to prevent sand lifting near bridges and culverts.
Issuing a stern warning, the Deputy Commissioner said that negligence in controlling illegal mining will not be tolerated, and strict punitive action will be taken against individuals, operators, and vehicle owners found violating rules.
Chairing a meeting of the District Mining Task Force at the Collectorate auditorium, Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi reviewed in detail the enforcement measures undertaken to curb illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals across East Singhbhum. Senior officials, including the Superintendent of Police, SP (Rural), ADM Law and Order, District Transport Officer, Sub-Divisional Officers, and representatives from concerned departments, were present, while Circle Officers and Station House Officers joined virtually.
The meeting focused on preventing illegal sand mining and transportation from the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers, as well as checking unauthorized mining activities in forest areas. Officials were directed to intensify vehicle inspections, seize vehicles operating without registration numbers, and take strict action against overloaded transport vehicles.
The Deputy Commissioner ordered strict action against those involved in the illegal sand mining incident at Bagunhatu Baridih along the Swarnarekha River. He also reviewed complaints received by the Mining Department and directed officials to ensure prompt and effective redressal.
Addressing environmental concerns, the Pollution Control Board was instructed to take necessary measures at the Haldipokhar Railway Siding, including construction of boundary walls or covering of mineral stockpiles to control pollution. Zonal officers were directed to convene meetings with brick kiln operators, especially in Gudabandha and nearby areas, to ensure adherence to the prescribed limit of 10,000 bricks per kiln for non-commercial use.
To curb black marketing and illegal stockpiling of sand, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Mining Officer to launch a focused enforcement campaign and to take effective action against those involved in illegal trade. He emphasized increasing revenue through the auction of seized minor minerals and expediting the auction process of legal sand ghats with due consent from Gram Sabhas.
Reiterating the need for coordinated action, the Deputy Commissioner directed all departments—mining, police, forest, transport, and pollution control—to ensure seamless information sharing and joint enforcement to protect mineral resources, boost revenue, and safeguard the environment.
He stressed that ensuring mining activities are carried out within the legal framework is a collective responsibility and affirmed that the district administration will maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal mining.
Among those present at the meeting were Forest Division Officer Shabba Alam Ansari, SP (Rural) Rishabh Garg, Railway SP Ajit Kumar, SDM Dhalbhum Arnav Mishra, SDO Ghatshila Sunil Chandra, DTO Dhananjay, DSP Traffic, DSP Headquarters, CMO Satish Nayak, and other officials.
