Odisha Govt Issues SOP to Regulate Sand Mining, Curb Illegal Extraction

Bhubaneswar: In a move to streamline sand mining and curb unauthorised extraction, the Odisha government has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sustainable sand mining. The Steel and Mines Department has issued the SOP, outlining stringent measures to regulate mining activities across the state.

As per the new guidelines, each district will have a special monitoring committee headed by the District Collector. The panel will include the Sub-Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), District Development Officer, Revenue Department ADM, District Mining Officer, two Block Development Officers (BDOs) and two Tehsildars, with the Additional Project Director serving as the convener.

The committee will be responsible for identifying suitable sand mining sites, considering local requirements. Under the Odisha Minor Minerals Concession Rules (OMMC) 2016, the BDO will oversee sand mining operations for five years, with assistance from the District Mining Officer in drafting a mining plan. A survey will be conducted to mark the boundaries of designated sand mining zones.

At the Panchayat level, a committee led by the sarpanch will monitor mining activities, track leaseholders and maintain records of sand extraction. Security measures will be strengthened with CCTV surveillance at sand ghats, deployment of security personnel and a dedicated team under the tehsildar to prevent illegal sand theft.

Despite these measures, experts remain sceptical about the SOP’s effectiveness in tackling rampant sand theft. Meanwhile, authorities have already intensified their crackdown on illegal sand mining across various districts.