Navi Mumbai | Dec 22, 2017: Environmentalists have raised red flags about illegal sand mining close to the railway bridge near Juinagar railway station. The activists have been reiterating that if the authorities don't take steps to stop illegal sand mining then it may even damage the foundation of the bridge.

Even on Thursday morning, a TOI team noticed several workers at the creek site, manually removing wet sand next to the railway station premises. The sand was being loaded in tempos parked a little distance away.

"This illegal sand mining has been going on for weeks in broad daylight near the railway bridge. It is high time that the Thane district collectorate ends this before any disaster takes place like the Mahad bridge collapse in Raigad district last year," activist Sumaira Abdulali from NGO Awaaz Foundation said.

The Maharashtra Minor Minerals Extraction (Development and Regulations) Rules, 2013, has also clearly stated that no mining activity can be carried out near bridges and embankments for the purpose of infrastructural safety, Abdulali further stated.

Navi Mumbai-based activist Anarjit Chauhan said, "Officials must also arrest those indulging in illegal sand mining under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Only stringent punishment will serve as a deterrent."

Additional collector of Thane district, Anil Pawar, told TOI: " I have recently taken over the Thane posting so wasn't aware about this sand mining at Juinagar. I will immediately tell officials in relevant departments to visit the spot and take action."

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