Ranchi News: Ranchi Administration Targets Illegal Sand Mining, Over a Dozen Vehicles Seized in Namkum and Angara

Ranchi, December 11, 2024: In a decisive move to combat illegal sand mining and transport, Ranchi District Commissioner, Manjunath Bhajantri, has instructed authorities to take swift and stringent action against those involved in such activities. Following numerous complaints, the district administration has intensified efforts to curb illegal sand extraction, especially in the Namkum and Angara areas, where several vehicles were recently seized.

Ranchi District Administration Takes Action Against Illegal Sand Mining

The crackdown was carried out after credible reports indicated that a significant number of vehicles were transporting illegally mined sand in the region. Acting on the District Commissioner’s orders, the District Mining Officer and Mining Inspector conducted surprise inspections in the Namkum and Angara police station areas. These inspections led to the seizure of a dozen vehicles illegally carrying sand.

The operation was coordinated with the local police forces, and all seized vehicles were impounded for violating mining regulations. As part of the initiative, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Ranchi, Utkarsh Kumar, promptly instructed the District Mining Officer and Mining Inspector to expedite the legal process and take further necessary action.

Details of Vehicles Seized During the Operation

The surprise inspections, conducted at strategic points in Namkum and Angara, were based on intelligence received about illegal sand transport vehicles making their way from Bundu towards Namkum. Police units stationed at various checkpoints, including Ram Pur Chowk, attempted to stop these vehicles. However, the drivers of the vehicles, upon noticing the police presence, fled the scene, abandoning their trucks in the dense fog.

Upon inspecting the abandoned vehicles, it was found that none of the trucks, including three turbo vehicles with registration numbers JHOLDF 7079, JHOL BP-1629 and JH12C-5139, had the necessary legal documents to prove the legitimacy of the sand transport. The vehicles were promptly seized and a police detail was assigned to monitor the area.

Further inspections were carried out with the help of highway patrolling teams, leading to the capture of additional vehicles, including a turbo truck, JHOL BH-5688, which was also found transporting sand without valid documentation.

No Legal Documents Found for Sand Transport Vehicles

The operation continued through the night, and during the early hours in the Angara police station area, several vehicles carrying illegal sand were intercepted. Despite efforts by the drivers to escape, the authorities successfully stopped the vehicles and found that they lacked valid transportation documents. Vehicles including high-load trucks and turbo vehicles, such as JH-01-DL-4859, JH-01-FP-0502 and JH-01-FM-6883, were seized.

Authorities are continuing to take strict action against those found guilty of being involved in the illegal sand transportation network. FIRs have been lodged against the vehicle owners, drivers and other individuals found complicit in the illegal activity. Legal proceedings are underway under the applicable laws.

Ongoing Legal Actions Against Vehicle Owners and Drivers

The Ranchi district administration is committed to continuing its crackdown on illegal sand mining. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to ensure that the owners and drivers of the seized vehicles face the full extent of the law. As part of the ongoing efforts, additional measures have been put in place to prevent further illegal mining and transportation in the region.

This action underscores the Ranchi administration’s commitment to protecting natural resources and upholding environmental regulations. The efforts align with broader state and national initiatives to curb illegal mining practices that are detrimental to the environment and local communities.

With the successful seizure of several vehicles and ongoing investigations, Ranchi’s administration hopes to send a strong message that illegal sand mining will not be tolerated in the region. Authorities have reiterated that they will continue to monitor key areas to prevent any further illegal sand transport activities.