The High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur has recently passed an order directing the state to take stringent measures to prevent illegal sand mining and excavation.
The order was passed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2019, highlighting the growing problem of illegal sand mining in the state.
According to the affidavit filed by the District Magistrate/Collector, Raipur, there has been a significant rise in illegal excavation in Raipur, with 82 cases registered in the current financial year alone.
The affidavit also revealed that the amount of compromise recovered from these cases has increased substantially, from Rs 30,86,000 in 2022-23 to Rs 61,29,760 in 2024-25.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Judge Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, observed that despite the compounding of these cases, the problem of illegal mining and excavation persists.
The court noted that the time has come for the state to take stricter measures to prevent illegal mining and excavation, including bringing in legislation for criminal prosecution of those involved.
In this regard, the court directed the Secretary, Mines and Minerals Department, to ensure that no illegal excavation is done throughout the state with respect to the natural resources of the state.
The Secretary has been asked to file a personal affidavit in the matter by the next date, and if any such incident is reported, the court would take strict action against the erring officials as well as the person concerned.
The state government has been directed to take concrete measures to prevent this environmental hazard, and the court has made it clear that it will not tolerate any laxity in this regard.
The court has also directed the Secretary to inform about the further progress with respect to the cleanliness and treatment plant for Arpa river by the next date.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 24, 2025.