Date | June 13, 2017:

Sand mafias violating the environmental rules are illegally mining sand on large-scale, thus, badly damaging the Shivnath River-the lifeline of the district.

Illegal mining is continuing unabated under political patronage. This is the reason the Environment department and the administration are unable to take strict action to curb the illegal practice.

Illegal mining is continuing from Tuma, Mau, Bhilauri, Takam Jamghat, Baherghat, Budhajong, Khamhariya, Pathar Poonji ghat, Daganiya and Reveghat. The villagers alleged that sand mining was continuing under political patronage. The mafias are not afraid of officials especially in Bemetara assembly segment.

Mafias stock sand in rainy season and thereafter sell it at twice and thrice rate. According to information, mafias in contravention with environmental laws are digging out sand with machines. This has led to the river-bed badly cut off. This may create problems for the villagers living near the banks of the river during floods. The public representatives and the administration are allegedly doing nothing to check illegal mining. On being contacted, Meenakshi Sahu, District Mining Officer said that she had not received any complaints in this regard. But if illegal mining is continuing, strict action would be taken to check illegal practice, said Sahu.

(Source: http://thehitavada.com/)