Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Ranchi EW News: Chief Minister Champai Soren highlighted the issue of illegal mining in the state, stating that it tarnishes the state’s image. He emphasized the need to intensify efforts to curb illegal mining and ensure legal action against those involved. The Chief Minister instructed officials to activate task forces at the state and district levels to prevent illegal mining. He stressed the importance of taking all necessary steps to prevent illegal mining and transportation of coal, sand, iron ore, and other minerals. The Chief Minister directed officials not only to register FIRs and penalize vehicles caught in illegal mining but also to investigate how coal loading occurs in vehicles without receipts. He emphasized holding coal companies accountable for preventing coal loading in vehicles without receipts. The Chief Minister also ordered a thorough investigation into any internal collusion within the system and strict action against those found guilty. Officials informed the Chief Minister that as of January 31, 2024, 1632 FIRs related to illegal mining have been registered, 4557 vehicles have been seized, and fines totaling more than 13 crore rupees have been collected.
Ensuring Availability of Sand: Directive to Officials
Chief Minister Shri Champai Soren urged officials to expedite tender processes for sand ghats in the state. He stressed the need to ensure smooth availability of sand to the public. The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the process of operating Category-I designated 369 sand ghats at the gram panchayat level. He emphasized that once the operation of 369 sand ghats is handed over to gram panchayats, the demand for sand can be met not only in rural areas but also in urban areas. In this regard, officials informed the Chief Minister that the decision to operate 369 sand ghats at the gram panchayat level has already been taken, and the process will be completed soon. Furthermore, officials informed the Chief Minister that tenders for 444 Category-II sand ghats in the state have been finalized. Agreements have been reached with 116 MDO agencies, and once environmental approvals are obtained, the excavation work will commence at all 116 ghats.
The meeting was attended by top officials including the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary, Secretary Transport, Chief Minister’s Secretary, Secretary Mining, Secretary Production and Prohibition, DIG Special Branch, Additional DIG Campaign, Director Mines, Director Khan, Transport Commissioner, IGP CID, DIG Special Branch, Deputy Commissioner Ranchi, SSP Ranchi, Traffic SP Ranchi, and other senior officials.
