Chhattisgarh’s Raipur Governor Ramin Deka on Wednesday expressed deep concern over “illegal” and “unregulated” sand mining in major rivers and streams across the state and directed officials to take immediate and effective action to curb such activities.
He added that excessive excavations have changed the natural nature of the rivers and affected their environmental health.
During a meeting at Lok Bhavan here, the Governor held detailed discussions on the issue with state Mineral Resources Department Secretary P Dayanand and directed the administration to ensure strict enforcement against illegal extraction, a government statement said.
Deka stressed the need to protect the environment and water resources, saying that sand is an essential mineral for development and infrastructure projects, but its random and uncontrolled extraction causes serious environmental damage.
He directed that sand extraction in the state should only be carried out in a scientific, planned and organized manner to maintain a balance between development needs and environmental preservation.
Highlighting the negative impacts of illegal mining, the governor said excessive drilling alters the natural character of rivers and affects their ecological health.
Deep digging in riverbeds has reduced their ability to retain water, which in turn has negatively affected groundwater levels. The practice also accelerated riverbank erosion, causing traditional water sources in rural areas to dry up and posing a threat to aquatic biodiversity, the statement quoted the governor as saying at the meeting.
Deka stressed that effective and long-term measures have become necessary to maintain the water-carrying capacity of major rivers and streams and improve groundwater recharge.
The governor said reputable institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, could be involved in conducting scientific studies, resource assessments and surveys related to sand mining activities.
He instructed the Department of Mineral Resources to maintain round-the-clock vigil against illegal mining and sand transport, and make the entire mining management system more transparent and effective, while giving priority to the conservation of natural resources.
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