Mineral Monitoring Drive
Sandur
The district administration in Ballari has started a strong drive to stop illegal iron ore smuggling from mining areas. It has planned to improve nine joint mineral check posts under the Mines and Geology Department. The decisions were taken in a recent district mining task force meeting led by Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad K. Officials said the aim is to strengthen inspection and prevent illegal transport of ore through better monitoring systems.
They have also asked for five percent of DMF funds for maintenance staff hiring and repair work at check posts. Some stations are still incomplete and authorities have directed agencies to finish construction quickly. MP E Tukaram recently raised concern over poor conditions at Bannihatti check post in Sandur. He said faulty weighbridges and weak monitoring are helping illegal movement of minerals. The district administration has now proposed CISF security at all mineral check posts.
Officials believe this will improve transparency and reduce pressure on staff. Maintenance of vehicles equipment and payment of pending bills will also be handled using DMF funds. Authorities hope these steps will curb illegal mining and protect government revenue in Ballari district. Officials said strict action will continue against offenders involved in illegal ore transport across Sandur and nearby mining routes while surveillance will be increased in coming days also soon.
