Balasore, Nov 27: The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to combat illegal sand mining, with a joint raid conducted by the district administration and police in Balasore district on Wednesday. A total of 32 sand-laden Hyva trucks were seized, and 10 individuals were detained in connection with the illegal activity.

The raid targeted sand smuggling operations along the Subarnarekha River, particularly in areas under Jaleswar tehsil, where illegal mining has been rampant. Acting on a tip-off, the district administration launched a late-night operation, which continued into the early hours of the morning.

The operation was led by Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas and Superintendent of Police (SP) Pratyush Diwakar, along with other officials. The illegal sand mining was taking place at the ‘Chalinti’ sand quarry on the banks of the Subarnarekha River.

Following the raid, legal action has been initiated against the seized vehicles and the individuals involved. The district authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on illegal sand mining in the region to prevent further environmental damage and uphold the rule of law.