BAREILLY | Feb 12, 2015: Taking serious note of complaints by villagers about illegal sand mining, the administration has decided to deploy joint teams of administration and police at various places to crack down on the activity.

District authorities said villagers from areas adjoining the Pandhauli river in Bareilly district had approached them a few days ago, alleging that sand mafia were violating norms of mining openly along the river's banks.

Following the complaints, district administration officials along with police force visited Sabapur village under Nawabganj tehsil. The SDM and circle officer of Nawabganj deputed a Lekhpal and a police sub-inspector on special duty to deter those involved in the illegal trade.

Sunil Kumar, a farmer, said, "Sand mafias know the area well and usually start mining in night hours. They continue mining here till morning hours and later load their tractor trolleys and other vehicles and openly sell sand and mud in the market."

Talking to TOI, SDM Nawabganj Rajneesh Rai said, "The investigations so far have revealed that some local residents are involved in illegal sand mining. Both deputed officers will be backed up by police force and will have special powers under which they can arrest and seize vehicles like tractor-trolley and take all other necessary actions against those involved in illegal trade."

He said, "Necessary measures will be taken against sand mafias and those involved in act will be severely punished as per the law."

Several remote areas under various tehsils including Aonla, Baheri, Fareedpur, Bithri Chainpur are also facing similar problems where sand mafias are operating openly.

Confirming reports of cracking down on sand mafia, DIG, Bareilly range, RKS Rathore said, "Sand mafia is a big problem which has to be dealt with strictness. Police officials are available round-the-clock to help local administration and common man. We are trying to build a network between local administration and mining department officials after which it will be easier for us to identify sand mafia. We will try to minimize loopholes present in the existing system to nab them."

Illegal mining is prohibited under mines and minerals development regulation Act and is also a punishable offence under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

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