Illegal sand mining flourishes along Saberi river bed in Koraput

Koraput: The Saberi riverbed in Koraput district’s Boipariguda tehsil along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border has become a hotspot for large-scale illegal sand mining. Calls are growing for authorities to address the issue and extend enforcement across other vulnerable river stretches in the district.According to sources, sand smuggling continues in broad daylight, with long queues of tipper trucks transporting sand in clear violation of norms. “In the middle of the day, sand-laden tippers are moving through busy areas without fear, yet the administration and the mines department remain silent,” said Ajit Patra, a Koraput-based activist.The Saberi river in Talur mouza has become the epicentre of these operations, where indiscriminate sand extraction continues unchecked. Similar operations in other rivers across the district point to a wider pattern of illegal mining.Locals raised concerns over the functioning of enforcement agencies. According to allegations, illegally transported sand is being seized, only to be later regularised through nominal fines and “spot auctions,” allowing the same operators to continue their business. Locals said, “The very people involved in illegal transport are being permitted to sell the seized sand, which points to glaring loopholes in enforcement.”Patra alleged a possible understanding between sand mafias and certain officials, with spot auctions being misused to bypass minor mineral and environmental regulations. “While seized sand is kept at designated locations outside riverbanks, fresh sand continues to be extracted from within riverbeds. Hundreds of trucks and tippers are reportedly being issued royalty slips daily, effectively legitimising illegal mining,” he said.Environmental expert Bidyut Mohanty warned that unchecked sand extraction is causing damage to river ecosystems and biodiversity, posing long-term ecological risks. “Despite the scale of operations, there has been little visible intervention from the authorities,” he said.However, officials from the office of the deputy director of mines (Minor Minerals) expressed ignorance about the alleged illegal mining. “Auction was conducted for transportation of seized sand, but if fresh sand is being mined and transported, it will be verified and necessary action will be taken,” said Satyajit Rout, deputy director of mines, Jeypore.