Mukesh Tiwari, Ramkanda:
Illegal mining of sand is taking place on a large scale these days from the rivers of Ranka and Bhandaria areas including Ramkanda area of Garhwa district. Sand mafia is mining sand from Bhaunri and Dhansani of Kanhar river located in Godarmana of Ranka and dumping it in various areas of Ramkanda. Similarly, apart from Sapahi river located in Kurun village of Bhandaria, Jonhikhand, Sarasatiya, Bagdegwa and Koyal river passing next to this village, tractors loaded sand illegally from other small rivers including Hathu located in Chete of Ramkanda, Papra of Baligarh, Jutidoomar and Gobardaha and other small rivers of Ramkanda. Walking on the streets without any hesitation.
This sand is being sold at a high price in other areas of Ramkanda including Tetardih, Kushwar, Baligarh, Homia, Chutia, Durjan, Raksi, Chete and Ramkanda. These days the officials are maintaining silence on the issue of illegal sand. Whereas many times before and now also on January 4, the Deputy Commissioner, in the meeting of the task force constituted on the subject of illegal mining and transportation, has instructed the concerned police station in-charges and zonal officers to take action in the matter of illegal mining and transportation of sand. But the concerned officials are easily disregarding the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner. In this way, despite the Task Force meeting held every month in the case of illegal sand mining, action against illegal mining, transportation and illegal storage of sand seems to be a distant dream.
The rivers of these areas are becoming hollow
The existence of these rivers is in danger due to rampant sand mining. It is said that earlier sand excavation from these rivers was stopped after the ban of NGT and strictness of High Court. But now illegal trade of sand has started again in various areas. Recently, in the meeting of four villages held in Kushwar village, the villagers have also protested on the issue of sand. Villagers said that earlier people here used to get sand for Rs 700 per tractor. But now the sand mafia is selling it for two and a half thousand to four thousand rupees per tractor.
We have not yet seen any tractor loaded with sand: CO
When asked in this regard, Bhandaria CO Rakesh Bhushan Singh said that he has not yet seen any tractor laden with sand. But if the matter has come to our notice, it will be investigated and action will be taken.
Ok, I said and hung up the phone.
After hearing the whole matter in this regard, District Mining Officer Nandev Baitha said that it is okay, saying this he disconnected the call.