Baripada: The district administration has repeatedly been apprised of illegal sand lifting from various rivers, but the former has allegedly not taken any action against the mafia. Tractor-loads of sand are being lifted from various ghats and transported through Baripada town amidst allegations that the mafia operates its business by bribing tehsil and district administration officials.
February, a delegation of students from MPC Autonomous College had met ADM Surath Mallick, seeking steps to put a halt to sand mining in the area. As the administration failed to take any steps, students Tuesday intercepted two tractors carrying sand at Krushnadra Chandra Chhak and later handed over the vehicles to the local tehsildar and the revenue inspector.
Locals alleged that sand quarrying has been taking place in various rivers despite directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunals to all the state government to check sand quarrying in rivers without environmental clearance.
Sources said that the revenue inspectors had been asked to make surprise visits to sand ghats, but the directive is allegedly not being followed by the revenue inspectors.
Contacted, tehsildar Diganta Routray said the two tractors do not possess valid documents and fines have been levied on them.
However, Routray dismissed the allegations of illegal sand lifting from Budhabalanga. PNN
