Jhumpura: Even as development works are in full swing in various parts of Jhumpura tehsil in Keonjhar, locals alleged that minor minerals like sand, stone and murram are being illegally excavated in several places with the administration failing to contain it.
Thus, the government is losing lakhs of rupees towards revenue over years.
Sand mafia are active in Gundunia, Ukhunda, Balibandh and a few other panchayats where sand is lifted from various ghats of rivers and creeks. The sand was stockpiled at several places, a report said.
Local leaders, influential persons and their relatives were involved in sand loot under Malda revenue circle, but some revenue officials allegedly help the mafia in doing such illegality, it was alleged.
Sand lifting has been rampant in Morada river in Basantpur panchayat, an area located in a hilly pocket.
Mafia has been excavating sand from the river day in and day out with help of local people. Tuckloads of sand are transported out of the area every day.
Locals had earlier taken up the issue with the revenue inspector, but surprisingly no action was taken against the mafia, they added.
On the other hand, sand mafia gets to know of the complainant and allegedly threatens them with consequences. Cases of confrontation had taken place in the past.
RI, Sonali Sethi stated that she was preoccupied with work and has not been able to pay attention to the concerns however steps will be taken soon, she assured…
Tehsildar Janaka Nayak said that the area where sand and other minerals are being mined will be raided soon.
PNN
