Odisha Government Takes Bold Step to Curb Sand Mafia
In a significant move to curb the menace of the sand mafia and prevent the sale of sand at exorbitant prices, the Odisha government has fixed the minimum support price (MSP) of sand at Rs 340. This decision is expected to put a check on the arbitrary excavation of sand and make it difficult for the sand mafia to operate with impunity.
Auction of Over 100 Sand Quarries
In a bid to regulate sand excavation and transportation, the government plans to auction over 100 sand quarries through e-lottery in the first phase. This move is aimed at restricting unauthorised excavation and making it more difficult for the sand mafia to engage in illegal activities. With this decision, the government is sending out a strong message that it will not tolerate any illegal sand mining or transportation activities.
A Long-Overdue Decision
Sudarshan Das, Convener of Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, has welcomed the government’s decision, saying that it is a long-overdue move. He, however, expressed disappointment that despite the government imposing fines and seizing several vehicles, illegal sand mining is still continuing at several places. Das emphasized that introducing new policies would serve no purpose if the government failed to take action against those involved in illegal activities.
A History of Inaction
Das pointed out that the Sand Mining Policy, 2020, clearly specified the steps to be taken against illegal mining and the fines to be imposed. However, the provisions were not effectively implemented, and everyone seemed to be part of the system. He stressed that the government needs to take concrete action to prevent the misuse of permits and ensure that sand is excavated and transported in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
Cracking Down on Permit Misuse
Earlier, the government had noticed that permits were being obtained for private works by showing government work orders. To prevent this misuse, instructions were issued for stricter implementation of the rules. The measures aimed at preventing the misuse of permits and ensuring that sand is excavated and transported in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
A Step in the Right Direction
The Odisha government’s decision to fix the MSP of sand and auction over 100 sand quarries is a step in the right direction. It sends out a strong message that the government is committed to curbing the sand mafia and preventing the sale of sand at exorbitant prices. However, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to effectively implement these measures and prevent the sand mafia from continuing their illegal activities.
The Consequences of Inaction
The consequences of inaction against the sand mafia are severe. Illegal sand mining is weakening river embankments, raising flood risk in Odisha. The state government’s decision to fix the MSP of sand and auction over 100 sand quarries is a welcome move, but it is just the beginning. The government needs to take concrete action to prevent the misuse of permits and ensure that sand is excavated and transported in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
A New Era of Transparency
The auction of over 100 sand quarries through e-lottery is a significant move towards transparency in sand mining. It will help to regulate sand excavation and transportation, and prevent the sand mafia from operating with impunity. The Odisha government’s decision is a step towards creating a more transparent and accountable system, where sand mining is done in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
A Long Road Ahead
While the Odisha government’s decision is a significant step forward, it is just the beginning. The government needs to continue to take concrete action to prevent the misuse of permits and ensure that sand is excavated and transported in accordance with the prescribed regulations. The road ahead will be long and challenging, but with determination and commitment, the government can succeed in curbing the sand mafia and preventing the sale of sand at exorbitant prices.