CUTTACK, Feb. 7 -- The Orissa High Court on Tuesday clamped a ban on the quarrying of sand by using machines in the State. The order shall be strictly enforced from Wednesday, the court emphasised.

The court passed the orde during the hearing of a petition previously filed against sand quarries seeking the court's intervention and putting a ban, thereby preventing pollution as well as the loss of revenue.

Sand-laden vehicles will not be allowed to ply between 7 am and 9 pm. Strong actions will be taken against wrongdoers for any violation of prescribed norms while quarrying sand.

The State Government submitted an affidavit before the court stating what steps have been taken so far to prevent pollution and the loss of revenue, prosecution...