NAVI MUMBAI | Oct 23, 2016: Despite several recent actions by the authorities to curb illegal sand mining, several people were seen taking sand from the creek area near the bridge next to Juinagar railway station on Friday.

"Excavation of sand close to any bridge can weaken the foundation of the structure," said environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation.

She added that earlier Thane district officials and Indian Railways had taken action against illegal sand mining near a bridge in the western suburbs.

"So, it is shocking that people are doing it along the Harbour Line," she said.

Even RTI activist Anarjit Chauhan, who has written to the relevant authorities, including the state chief minister about this illegal sand mining, said that strict action must be taken before there is a tragedy.

"Thousands of railway commuters go past this bridge daily. The local police and the railways must stop it before it turns a disaster like the Mahad road bridge collapse," he added.

Earlier, TOI had reported how sand was being illegally mined in the creek which was between Kharghar and Mansaraovar railway stations.

However, after several complaints to Cidco, railways and the local police by concerned locals, this activity has not been seen for the past six months.

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