Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: Odisha Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, in a written reply to the state Assembly on Thursday, informed that strict action is being taken to curb illegal minor mineral transportation in areas around Bhubaneswar.

Regular enforcement drives have resulted in the seizure of 813 vehicles, with a total penalty of Rs 6,92,03,813 collected so far. Additionally, 169 FIRs have been registered against violators.

He stated that whenever instances of illegal extraction of minor minerals are detected, departmental officials conduct enforcement and impose penalties. Fines are being collected strictly as per Rule 51 of the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 and subsequent government guidelines issued from time to time.

To check illegal sand lifting and transportation, drone/UAV and DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) surveys are being carried out at sand ghats suspected of involvement, and penalties are imposed accordingly.

For effective monitoring, the government has constituted District-Level Task Forces, Sub-Divisional Committees, and Tehsil-Level Committees.

To ensure transparency, the Minister informed that handwritten transit passes have been replaced with online i4MS (Integrated Minor Mineral Mining Management System) transit passes. Mine owners have also been directed to install CCTV cameras and erect information display boards inside lease areas.

He added that new potential mineral sources are being identified and incorporated into the District Survey Report (DSR) to prevent illegal mining and theft.

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The Minister presented the written reply on the first day of the Winter Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, which commenced Thursday, marking the beginning of 29 working days that will continue until December 31. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend and deliver her address to the House.