Madhya Pradesh: Without regard for the law, sand mafias in Barkheda village are brazenly extracting and transferring sand illegally from the Chambal River. They are driving tractors loaded with sand right past the Barkheda police station with no consequences, in an obvious act of disobedience. Sources claim that JCBs are used in mining operations close to the pilgrimage site of Joganiya Mata in order to remove sand directly from the riverbed.
These mafias have created a strong network that guarantees sand will always reach cities. The Barkheda police haven’t done anything noteworthy in response to the blatant unlawful activity. TS Dawar, the in-charge of the police station, declared, “We are not authorized to intervene. This falls under the purview of the mining department.” Thursday, the mining department launched a raid on the mafias’ hideouts.
The mafias’ well-planned tactics were demonstrated when they were able to flee with their cars before the squad could capture them. Still, during the raid, two tractors were taken. Akanksha Patel, the district mineral officer for Ratlam, addressed the persistent problem by saying, “We have occasionally taken action in the past. We will now come together as a team to take decisive action and make sure the mafia’s cars carrying illegal sand are apprehended right away.”
The mafias’ operations persist despite previous attempts, which emphasizes the necessity for more forceful and well-coordinated enforcement measures. The illegal transportation of sand in front of the police station is a blatant act that highlights the difficulty authorities confront in putting an end to this widespread unlawful activity.
Notably, the mafias operate with impunity, leaving the community in disbelief. This emphasizes the urgent necessity for the mining department and the police to respond more effectively to address this growing problem. Residents are furious and calling for immediate action to stop this flagrant lawlessness because of the boldness of these mafias and the government’s lack of decisive response.
Madhya Pradesh: Illegal Sand Mining Rampant in Chambal
Illegal sand mining continues to be a serious issue in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, posing threats to both the environment and local communities. Despite repeated crackdowns by authorities, the sand mafia remains active, extracting sand illegally from riverbeds, causing severe ecological damage and disrupting the natural flow of the Chambal River.
The uncontrolled mining has led to riverbank erosion, loss of aquatic biodiversity, and depletion of groundwater levels. The Chambal region, known for its rich wildlife, including the endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin, is under significant threat due to these activities. Environmentalists warn that excessive sand extraction is destroying the fragile river ecosystem, impacting not just wildlife but also farmers who rely on the river for irrigation.
Locals allege that political influence and corruption allow the illegal sand trade to flourish. Reports suggest that organized syndicates operate with impunity, using heavy machinery and unauthorized transport networks to smuggle sand to other states. Even when action is taken, penalties are often minimal, failing to deter offenders.
Authorities have stepped up enforcement measures, including raids, vehicle seizures, and stricter monitoring, but the problem persists. Activists are calling for stronger laws, better surveillance using drones, and harsher penalties to curb illegal sand mining.
If left unchecked, rampant sand mining in Chambal could have long-term consequences, affecting both the environment and livelihoods of thousands dependent on the river.
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Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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