SURAT | Sept 21, 2016: Residents of Moti Danti village in Navsari district have upped ante against local sand mafia, who have been illegally mining sand from the sea shore. On Tuesday, residents of Modi Danti lodged a formal complaint with the police against unknown persons for illegally mining from the village shore.

Following the complaint, local police officials visited the spot and inspected the shore.

A member of Moti Danti gram panchayat said, "For many days now, some people have been mining sand from the shore in boats. At this rate, we won't have sand left on our shores."

"Because of the rampant sand mining, the water from the sea enters deep into the village during high tide," said another villager. Moti Danti and Dholai Port are about 10 km from Billimora town of Navsari.

Police inspector S K Jani, who visited the village on Tuesday, said, "I went to examine the exact situation there. I wanted to make an assessment and get a clear idea under whose jurisdiction the area falls into."

Jani said that no person has been arrested or detained in connection with the complaint. "We have informed the mining department about the case," he added.

When inquired K Khopkar, government geologist for Navsari and Valsad district said, "I had received a complaint against dredging but that was some time ago. About the new complaint I will have to inquire."

Navsari collector Ravi Arora said that he will have to inquire about the allegation made by residents of Moti Danti village.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)