Odisha Tightens Clampdown On Illegal Minor Mineral Mining

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken significant action against illegal minor mineral mining and transportation by collecting fines of 126 billion rupees between 2022 and October 2025, according to mines minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena’s written reply in the State Assembly.

The state has generated a revenue of Rs 655 billion in the current financial year till September, the minister said on Thursday. Authorities made 15,187 seizures in all 30 districts in an effort to curb illegal transportation.

A total of 3,219 cases were recorded, leading to fines of Rs 126.51 billion. The government has identified 11 sensitive tehsils as hotspots for illegal sand mining: Dharmashala, Jharasuguda, Pipili, Tangi, Marshaghai, Barang, Kanihal, Jaleswar, Hindol, Purushottampur and Raghunathpur.

The highest cases of petty mineral theft were recorded in Hindol, Purushottampur and Raghunathpur and intense monitoring and enforcement was implemented in these areas, the mines department said.

Officials stressed that constant vigilance and strict enforcement are vital to protect the state’s mineral resources and ensure that contractors and traders comply with legal norms.