Massive Illegal Sand Mining Busted in Jagatsinghpur

Jagatsinghpur: In a major crackdown under Operation Balu Bajra, a joint enforcement team on Tuesday raided the Kilipal Sand Sairat under Tirtol Tahasil and unearthed large-scale illegal sand mining far beyond the permitted limits. The sairat, spread over 13 acres and leased to Saroj Kumar Mohanty for five years from July 24, 2024, was found to be the centre of extensive unauthorised extraction and multiple violations of the OMMC Rules, 2023.

Mining Outside Lease Area

Officials discovered that mining operations had extended 233 to 304 metres outside the approved boundary, with machines deployed in completely unauthorised zones. GPS readings confirmed the encroachment, prompting plans for a detailed physical survey and drone-based volumetric assessment to determine the scale of illegal extraction.

Sand Theft 10 Times Above Limit

Against the permitted annual extraction of 15,150 cubic metres—equivalent to 73 cu.m per day—the team found nearly 50 Hyva trucks operating daily, lifting around 750 cu.m of sand, more than ten times the authorised limit. This indicates systematic sand theft and a significant loss of State revenue.

Huge Illegal Profit, Heavy Loss to State

While the lessee has paid only ₹46.20 lakh to the government for FY 2025–26, the illegal operations are estimated to be generating nearly ₹7.5 lakh per day, amounting to ₹15.75 crore annually. This results in an undeclared illegal profit of approximately ₹15.28 crore, causing major financial loss to the State exchequer.

Operational and Safety Violations

The inspection also revealed that the lessee failed to install boundary pillars or display the mandatory information board, violating the SOP of the Directorate of Minor Minerals.

Approach Road Neglected

The approach road was found in poor condition, with dust pollution and road damage causing inconvenience to local residents—another breach of lease conditions.

Environmental Damage

Officials highlighted significant ecological impact caused by the unregulated excavation, including disturbance to the river basin, increased erosion risk, water pollution, degradation of farmland, heavy dust emissions, and potential long-term effects on groundwater and riverbank stability.

Authorities confirmed that stringent legal action will follow after the detailed survey quantifies the extent of illegal mining.