Sign in Subscribe
Mining industry

Chhattisgarh Government Suspends District Mining Officer over Alleged Inaction against Illegal Sand Mining

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Chhattisgarh Government has taken a bold step by suspending District Mining Officer Praveen Chandrakar for his alleged inaction against rampant illegal sand mining in Rajnandgaon. The suspension order, issued by the Mineral Resources Department, cites Chandrakar's failure to take effective action against unauthorized excavation and transportation of mineral sand, despite clear evidence of environmental violations. This move is seen as a direct message to officers who turn a blind eye to environmental infractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chhattisgarh Government has suspended District Mining Officer Praveen Chandrakar for alleged inaction against illegal sand mining in Rajnandgaon.
  • Chandrakar's conduct is alleged to have breached Rule 3(1) and 3(2) of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965.
  • The suspension was approved with immediate effect, with Chandrakar to be attached to the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Raipur, and entitled to subsistence allowance as per norms.
  • The government order comes amid rising public concern over illegal sand operations that continue to damage riverbeds, disturb ecological balance, and erode state revenue.
  • Rajnandgaon has become a hotspot for unregulated mining in recent months, with high demand for sand from growing construction activity.
  • The officer's removal is likely to trigger tighter oversight in other vulnerable districts.
  • The suspension is a direct message to officers who fail to take adequate action against environmental violations.

Statistics:

  • The Chhattisgarh Government has suspended one District Mining Officer for alleged inaction against illegal sand mining.
  • The suspension was approved with immediate effect, with Chandrakar to be attached to the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Raipur.
  • Poorest subsistence allowance, as per norms, was given to Chandrakar during the suspension period.
  • Rajnandgaon has become a hotspot for unregulated mining in recent months, with high demand for sand from growing construction activity.
  • The state government estimates that unregulated mining has led to a loss of crores of rupees in revenue.

Sources:

  • The Hitavada, (c) 2025, distributed by Contify.com
  • Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965
  • Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh

Read more