Raipur: In a major crackdown on illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced sweeping amendments to its Minor Mineral Rules under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai. The revised provisions, approved by the Cabinet, aim to curb illegal mining, boost state revenue and ensure scientific and transparent utilisation of mineral resources.

The most significant change relates to penalties for illegal excavation and transportation. The minimum compounding amount has now been fixed at Rs 25,000 in all cases. For illegal transportation, offenders will have to pay a compounding fee of Rs 2,000 per tonne, apart from the full value of the illegally transported mineral. Tractor operators caught transporting sand illegally will also have to pay a minimum compounding fee of Rs 25,000 along with the cost of the sand.

Stricter rules for the release of seized vehicles and equipment now require security deposits ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh. Excavation norms for public infrastructure projects have been relaxed, with the permissible area increased to 2 hectares and permit validity extended to three years. The newly created Chhattisgarh State Mineral Exploration Trust-2025 will receive 2% of minor mineral royalty collections to support scientific exploration. The government has also simplified mining lease amalgamation, expanded revenue-sharing benefits, and revised dead rent rates, reinforcing its zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining.