Balangir: Senior BJD Lawmaker Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo expressing concern has said that the common citizens and construction sector in Balangir town are facing a deepening crisis due to an artificial sand shortage that has reportedly given rise to black marketing and inflated sand prices.
At the heart of the issue lies a growing outcry over selective enforcement and alleged collusion between the district mining authorities and the so-called sand mafia, pointed out Shri Singh Deo.
In a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Steel & Mines, Balangir Lawmaker Shri Singh Deo has raised serious concerns over what he termed as “excessive, arbitrary, and whimsical penal action” against small tractor owners transporting sand. These small-scale operators, often from weaker sections, are being fined heavily for allegedly carrying forged or improper documentation. However, the actual source of these documents — the sand mine leaseholders — continue to operate without any scrutiny, the letter notes.
“This has persisted despite repeated reminders at review meetings,” the MLA wrote, highlighting the inaction against large truck operators and sand mine owners who allegedly issue these questionable documents. The selective enforcement, he argued, points to a bias in implementation and raises serious questions of collusion between the Mining Officer and elements within the illegal sand trade.
As a consequence of these actions: Small users are being forced out of the supply chain, Sand prices have skyrocketed, making construction unaffordable for many, black market has flourished, with no systemic checks in place.
Shri Singh Deo in his letter calls for urgent steps, including a departmental inquiry into the conduct of the Mining Officer, Balangir, strict penal action against sand mine leaseholders issuing improper documentation and stock and dispatch audit of all sand mines supplying to Balangir.
Shri Singh Deo urged for implementation of a transparent mechanism for regularized sand supply, especially to small builders and transporters.
Lawmaker Shri Singh Deo further warned that the issue not only affects the local economy but also undermines public trust in governance.
As public frustration grows among the common public, all eyes are now on the State Government to act decisively and restore fairness and transparency in sand supply operations in Balangir, pointed out Shri Singh Deo.