Leaseholder Carrying Out Illegal Sand Mining In Collusion With Odisha Govt, Says MP Aparajita Sarangi

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Friday said a leaseholder in ‘collusion’ with Odisha government was carrying out illegal sand mining on the banks of Daya river on the outskirts of Odisha capital.

Speaking to media persons, Aparajita alleged that the leaseholder was lifting thousands of tons of sand illegally day and night from the river banks in Balianta. “After the local people brought the matter to my notice, I visited the place several times. During my visit, the photographs and videos of the illegal activities were taken,” she said.

The BJP leader further said she had apprised the district collector of the matter and also tweeted. She has also produced the pictures and video as evidence. But the district administration cannot take any steps in this regard as the sand smuggling has been going on in connivance with ruling party leaders for several months, she added.

She alleged that the leaseholder has been carrying out illegal activities in connivance with a very influential leader of the ruling party. The leader also visits the farm house of the leaseholder regularly, she added.

Stating that the sand lifting has been stopped due to waterlogging in the area now, Aparajita said she was certain that it would resume soon after the rain stops.

Apprehending that the bridge over the river will collapse, if the sand smuggling is not stopped now, she said it would lead to a grave crisis in the area.

The MP appealed to the state government and ruling party to stop illegal sand lifting immediately. If no action is taken soon, the people would come down to streets in protest, she added.