Three arrested for illegal sand mining

Three individuals were arrested on charges of illegal sand mining in Chata village, Kendrapara, India. The accused were Tutu Kumar Sethi, Sk Answar Ali, and Umakanta Jena, who were involved in illegal sand mining on Mahanadi and Chitrotpala river beds without obtaining permission from the administration.

Residents of Chata claim that illegal sand mining cases have increased during summer due to the difficulty in extracting sand from river beds during monsoon. The sand mafia hoards as much sand as possible during the summer and sells it at an inflated price during the rainy season. Kendrapara ADM Nilu Mohapatra said.

The administration is carrying out raids in areas where illegal sand mining is taking place and is taking strict action against the offenders. The government has stopped many illegal sand quarries in the district and has asked people engaged in quarrying businesses to obtain environmental clearance before lifting sand trucks from site.

On April 20, 2025, police in Kendrapara district, Odisha, arrested three individuals for illegal sand mining activities in Chata village under the jurisdiction of Nikirai police station. The arrested individuals are Tutu Kumar Sethi (32) from Madanpur village, S K Answar Ali (36) from Mirzapur village, and Umakanta Jena (37) from Sipura village. Authorities also confiscated three sand-laden trucks from their possession. ​

According to Padmalaya Pradhan, the Inspector-in-Charge of Nikirai police station, sand and sell it at inflated prices during the monsoon season the accused were engaged in unauthorized sand quarrying on the riverbeds of the Mahanadi and Chitrotpala rivers without obtaining the necessary permissions from administration.

Local residents have reported that illegal sand mining is rampant in several villages, including Baspur, Karilopatna, Aitapur, Jalapoka, Bahakhandia, and Karandia. They noted that such activities tend to increase during the summer months when the extracting sand from riverbeds is more feasible, allowing the sand mafia to.

In response to these concerns, Kendrapara Additional District Magistrate Nilu sand and sell it at inflated prices during the monsoon season Mohapatra stated that the administration is actively conducting raids in areas where illegal sand mining is prevalent. He emphasized that strict actions are being taken against offenders.

The administration’s and that individuals involved in the quarrying business have crucial in preserving the ecological balance and ensuring sustainable development in the region been instructed to stockpile obtain environmental clearance from the government before extracting sand significant environmental risks, riverbank

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Illegal sand mining poses significant environmental risks, including riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, and threats to aquatic ecosystems. The administration’s efforts to curb such activities are crucial in preserving the ecological balance and including ensuring sustainable development in the region Three individuals were.

Arrested in Kendrapara district, Odisha, for illegal sand mining near Chata village under the Nikirai police station limits. The accused Tutu Kumar Sethi (32), S K Answar Ali (36), and Umakanta Jena (37) were caught red-handed while mining sand from riverbeds without official permission. Authorities also seized three sand-laden.

Police Inspector Padmalaya Pradhan confirmed that the men were conducting illegal operations on the Mahanadi and Chitrotpala riverbeds. Local residents reported a surge in such activities during the summer months, as the dry riverbeds allow easy access to sand. This sand is later sold at high prices during the monsoon season.

Illegal sand mining has become a major environmental concern, contributing to riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, and water quality degradation. Authorities have assured that strict action will continue to be taken to protect the region’s ecological balance and uphold legal mining practices The Kendrapara administration, Mohapatra, has intensified crackdowns on .

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