Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Tightens Grip on Mineral Mafia

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai -Credit -channel24india.com(File Photo )

IN Short

• As many as 1,747 cases of illegal mining, transportation, and storage registered in the last two months

• Over ₹6.49 crore in penalties recovered

• Highest number of cases: Illegal mining in Baloda Bazar, illegal transportation in Janjgir-Champa, and illegal storage in Raipur

• Double-pronged attack on illegal mining: Rapid enforcement actions accompanied by manifold increases in fines

Raipur: The impact of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s strict administrative stance is now clearly visible on the mineral mafia. Following the Chief Minister’s directives, a series of swift enforcement actions continues under the special state-wide campaign against the illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals.

During April and May 2026, as many as 1,747 cases were registered, and penalties exceeding ₹6,49,50,903 were recovered as part of this drive.

The campaign revealed the highest number of cases—1,487—related to illegal transportation, while 231 cases of illegal mining and 29 cases of illegal storage were recorded.

This indicates that the government has intensified its crackdown while maintaining strict surveillance over the entire mineral supply chain.

Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara district topped the list for illegal mining cases with 44 registrations. This was followed by Raipur (15 cases), and Kabirdham and Balod (14 cases each). Meanwhile, the highest number of illegal transportation cases (173) was recorded in Raipur, followed by Janjgir-Champa (162), and Bilaspur and Dhamtari (101 cases each). Raipur also recorded the highest number of illegal storage cases (8), while Dantewada (4), Kanker (3), and Bilaspur (3) also reported such incidents. Dantewada district recorded the highest penalty collection of ₹55.32 lakh for illegal mining.

Raipur district topped the list for penalties related to illegal transportation (₹54.69 lakh) and illegal storage (₹12.58 lakh). Consequently, Raipur district has led the entire state in the total collection of penalties.

It is noteworthy that engaging in illegal mineral mining, transportation, and storage in Chhattisgarh is no longer as easy as it used to be. Driven by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s strict administrative stance, the government has launched a comprehensive campaign against the “mineral mafia” across the state; simultaneously, regulatory amendments have made the provisions for fines and penalties significantly more stringent. Chief Minister Sai has asserted that the plundering of the state’s mineral resources will not be tolerated at any cost.

Following amendments to the minor mineral rules, the compounding amount in any case will now be no less than ₹25,000. For illegal transportation, a compounding fee of ₹2,000 per tonne will be charged in addition to the recovery of the full value of the mineral.

Illegal sand transportation via tractor will also attract a minimum fine of ₹25,000, along with the payment of the sand’s value. Before the release of any seized vehicle, machine, or equipment, a security deposit ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh—determined by the vehicle category—must be deposited with the concerned court; the vehicle will be released only after this requirement is met.