Angry Villagers Detain Sand ‘Mafias’ In Odisha’s Ganjam, Demand Govt Action

Berhampur: Rampant sand lifting from the riverbed sparked tension in Aska area of Odisha’s Ganjam district on Tuesday with locals terming the operation illegal.

As per sources, residents of Rishipur village under Aska block of the district detained some people and the vehicles used for lifting and transporting sand from the bed of River ‘Badanadi’ in their locality. Both sides were reportedly engaged in a brawl, following which local police had to rush to the spot.

The aggrieved villagers stated since their repeated appeals to the local administration to curb sand lifting went unheard, they had to take on the mafias themselves and bring an end to the illegal sand mining.

Recently, residents of nearby Balichai GP under Aska block also had urged the District Collector to intervene and stop illegal sand mining from the riverbed.

The villagers alleged that those lifting and transporting sand from the riverbed have no official permission or lease. Their repeated appeals against them have been paid a deaf ear by the district administration, sparking suspicion.

They further stated since rampant and uncontrolled lifting of sand from the riverbed has weakened the river embankments, triggering flood fear in the locality, so they were forced to take on the mafias themselves.