SAND MINING IS ON THE RISE

SAND MINING IS ON THE RISE

14-FEB-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The Sone River coastal area of ​​Sahar block is renowned for its sand. Currently, large quantities of sand are being stocked at various cluster ghats in this area. Locals allege significant irregularities in the stocking process. According to sources, most trucks arriving at the ghats for stocking are reported to be overloaded. Despite this, no effective action is visible from the Transport Department, the District Transport Officer (DTO), the Mining Department, or the District Administration. People are wondering whose connivance is behind this ongoing operation. A video of Sand Ghat No. 34, located in Dhori village of Sahar, reportedly operated by Ascent Minmet Resources Private Limited, is going viral on social media. Villagers allege that sand is being extracted indiscriminately, flouting established mining regulations. Environmental standards are not being properly adhered to, nor are mining guidelines being followed. It is reported that excessive cutting is being done, and overloaded trucks are constantly moving through. Locals claim that available photographs and videos confirm these allegations. Locals say that mining is being carried out at the ghat 24 hours a day, using Poclain machines. If this uncontrolled mining continues, it could pose a serious threat to the entire district, including the Sahar region, in the future, increasing the risk of environmental imbalance and geographical damage. Locals have demanded an impartial investigation into the matter and action taken in accordance with the regulations.