Cuttack Sadar: Illegal sand lifting from the Sukapaika embankment near Kisannagar tehsil, under Mahanadi North Division, has not only aggravated the erosion of its banks but also damaged the flood-protection embankment in the area.
Residents of the area have alleged that despite several complaints, the tehsil officials were showing no interest in curbing the menace.
Sources said the mafia lift sand from the embankments in the night and ferry it to neighbouring states. “Sand-laden trucks start plying from the evening which continues for whole night and it has become a routine affair,” said a local on condition of anonymity.
He added that whoever dares to stand against this had to face the wrath of the mafia. Recently, a resident who reported about the racket to the local police station, received life threats from the mafia. It is also alleged that the local police remain mute spectator to the issue, in return of a handsome pay-off. According to sources, sand is being lifted from two quarries which are yet to be leased out. The mafia are smuggling sand from embankments near Bastapada and Somapur village. Residents of the area alleged the mafia have greased the palms of the tehsil officials.
Environmental activists and residents of Kisannagar have been demanding to form a special squad to check the unabated sand lifting from the river embankment. In the mean time, the authorities remain a nonchalant.
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