Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has reversed the decision of Raman Singh government that entrusted sand mining rights with the local bodies.Replying to a call attention notice Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday announced to entrust sand mining rights with the state mineral development corporation.He said the decision to take away the rights from panchayat bodies is a step aimed at check illegal sand mining in the state.“Panchayat bodies will now get 25% more royalty than it used to get so far on sand mining,” he said, while replying to the call attention notice of Brihatpati Singh of Congress who raised the issue of illegal sand mining in Surguja region in North Chhattisgarh.Baghel said the orders in this regard would be issued soon. Sand mining was entrusted to panchayat bodies a couple of years ago with an aim to increase revenue of local bodies but over the years it has been felt that sand mining mafia was active in many places.Replying to the notice, chief minister said sand is being smuggled outside the state, including to neighbouring Maharashtra and efforts are being taken to stop illegal mining and transportation of sand to other states.District collectors are being asked to issue permits for new sand mines and to take steps to check illegal sand mining.Brihatpati Singh, who raised the issue through a call attention motion, said illegal sand mining was rampant in Ramanujganj region in Balrampur district of Surguja division.Chief minister replied that there are 11 sand mines in the area which are operating with environment clearance.Pointing out that officials have acted from time to time against illegal sand mining, he said 72 cases were registered over illegal sand mining in Balrampur district during 2016-17.

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