Jaleswar: In the wake mafia from West Bengal illegally lifting sand from Subarnarekha riverbed, the administration has demarcated the state boundaries along some fringe and riparian villages under this block in Balasore district.
According to reports, sand mafia from the neighbouring state has been illegally lifting the minor mineral from Subarnarekha riverbed for years, claiming its right of ownership on parts of nine riparian villages – Balaspur, Gopalpur, Makidia, Kuanrpur, Tutapada, Beherasahi, Praharajpur, Dakhina Praharajpur and Makarpur.
The mafia has been carrying out the illegal activities at 15 ghats, leading to loss of crores of rupees of revenue for the state. There had been disputes in the past over such illegal activities by sand mafia from West Bengal. Even clashes had erupted between the mafia and riparian villagers in the past over the issue.
As part of boundary demarcation exercise, the administration has pitched red flags at fringe areas since Friday. PNN
