Palamu, August 18, 2026: Enforcement against illegal mining and mineral transportation has been stepped up in Palamu, with the mining and transport departments together seizing 96 vehicles and collecting Rs 45.03 lakh in penalties during July.
The figures were reviewed on Tuesday at a District Mining Task Force meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat at the district collectorate. Officials assessed enforcement against illegal mining, transportation and storage and discussed areas where action needs to be intensified.
District Mining Officer Sunil Kumar told the meeting that the mining department seized 44 vehicles in July and collected penalties totalling Rs 34.85 lakh in cases involving illegal mining and transportation.
The district transport department separately seized 52 vehicles and collected Rs 10.18 lakh in penalties. Combined, the two departments accounted for the seizure of 96 vehicles and penalties of Rs 45.03 lakh during the month.
DC seeks action in areas with weak enforcement
Enforcement carried out by individual circles was also reviewed during the meeting. Officials reported the seizure of 36 vehicles across different circles, with Hariharganj and Hussainabad recording the highest number at five vehicles each.
Deputy Commissioner Shekhawat expressed displeasure over the absence of enforcement action in Untari Road circle during the past three months and directed the concerned official to intensify checks.
The administration has asked the police, transport and mining departments to coordinate regular raids against illegal mining and transportation.
Officials were also directed to strengthen vehicle checks on major roads and at checkpoints while increasing surveillance around mining areas.
Routes used for illegal sand transport to be identified
The administration will identify routes suspected of being used for illegal sand transportation and take measures to restrict movement through such stretches, including trench cutting where required.
Officials were instructed to respond promptly to information about illegal mining and improve coordination and intelligence-sharing among departments.
The district administration said enforcement against illegal mining and transportation would continue, with greater attention to areas where action has remained limited.
