In Chhattisgarh, extensive steps have been taken by the government with the aim of making sand mining policy more transparent, organized, environment-sensitive and public interest. During the reign of the earlier government, the number of sand mines operated in the state had come down from 300 to about 100-150. The current government believes that this affected the construction work and encouraged illegal mining.
The system of sand mining has been organized, controlled and public interest by improving the mineral policy by the government of the present Vishnu Dev Sai of Chhattisgarh. It has been made more transparent, scientific and public welfare than before.
Environmental assessment committees
Three state level environmental asset assessment committees have been formed by obtaining approval from the Government of India to speed up the environmental acceptance process in the state. Earlier only one committee was employed. The process of quick settlement of pending cases has been facilitated by this decision.
Increase in number of valid mines
Currently 119 sand mines are duly operated with environmental acceptance, while the approval process of 94 other mines is in the final stages. Also, there are plans to approve more than 300 new mines in the next 1 to 1.5 years, which will keep the supply of sand accessible and will speed up construction works.
IIT Roorkee report: mining from scientific point of view
A study conducted by IIT Roorkee on the environmental impacts of mining on major rivers has revealed that duly and controlled sand mining does not have any negative effects on rivers. This report supports mineral policy based on the state’s scientific approach.
Strict action on illegal mining
6,331 illegal mining cases were registered from 2024-25 to June 2025, out of which ₹ 18.02 crore recovery, 184 machines seizure, 56 FIRs and 57 court complaints were filed. Constant monitoring and action is being taken by the district and state level task force, which includes officials of the Department of Minerals, Revenue, Police, Transport and Environment.
Quick action takes place on disputes
In various districts of the state including Rajnandgaon and Balrampur, quick legal and administrative action has been taken on sand disputes and incidents. The government has a clear instruction that no illegal activity will be tolerated.
Relief in royalty of PM Awas Yojana
According to the decision taken on 15 March 2024, the eligible beneficiaries have been given exemption from royalty on sand under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. This decision has given direct relief to the poor and the needy.
Future policy: transparency and balance
The policy of the government of Chhattisgarh is clear- based on the principles of public interest, transparency and environmental balance to exploitation of mineral resources. This new sand mining policy prepared from organized, scientific and long -term perspective will form a strong basis for both the overall development and environmental protection of the state.
