NAVI MUMBAI | March 26, 2015: Illegal sand mining activities are taking place in at least two spots within the proposed Navi Mumbai international airport area in Panvel taluka. Local activists informed TOI that the illegal sand mining groups have trespassed into the restricted site, near Karnala Sports Academy in Panvel. The locals and activists have also noticed use of suction pumps to extract sand from areas near Gadhi and Kalundre rivers.

Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali of NGO Awaaz Foundation expressed surprise over the fact that illegal sand mining is also taking place inside the restricted zone where the international airport is slated to come up.

"I have complained to the Raigad district authorities in the past about illegal sand mining in areas like Panvel, Mansarovar and also at Mahad. However, the activity stops for a few days and later resumes, which further deteriorates our river banks and natural resources," she said .

She added that the use of motorized suction pumps has been strictly prohibited in a recent judgment on this subject by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Panvel taluka tehsildar, Pawan Chandak, said, "We had earlier carried out a raid against the illegal sand mining in this area, but some operators may have returned. I will again inquire into this and take proper action."

The tehsildar added that so far this year, they have busted six illegal sand mining sites in Panvel taluka and also seized equipment like suction pumps.

Meanwhile, locals and activists pointed out, there is also a well-organized sand mining mafia operating in the area to directly supply raw materials for various building constructions sites.

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