In Banaskantha district, illegal sand mining has become a serious problem. The district geology department is now taking action against sand mafias that steal sand worth crores of rupees. Recently, eleven dumpers were caught illegally mining sand from the Banas River near Kasalpura. Most of these vehicles were overloaded and did not have the required royalty passes.
The issue of illegal sand mining has been ongoing for years. In many areas, including Danta and Amirgarh, miners are stealing natural resources, leading to a significant loss for the government. This illegal activity not only harms the environment but also affects the local economy. Despite numerous complaints, there was little action taken until now. The geology department often claimed to be safe, but the situation was worsening.
On a recent night, the Kankrej taluka received reports of illegal sand mining from the Banas River. A team led by the Kankrej Mamlatdar acted quickly. They set up a checkpoint near Jamapur, where they stopped the eleven dumpers. Upon inspection, they found that six drivers had overloaded their vehicles while five did not have any royalty passes.
Mamlatdar V.M. Patel reported the matter to the mining department for legal action. Following this, a team from the geology department, guided by geologist Gurpreet Singh, conducted a thorough investigation. They confirmed that five dumpers were operating without the necessary permits, and six were overloaded with sand.
As a result of these findings, the geology department seized all the dumpers. They imposed a fine of ₹2.20 lakh (approximately £2,700) on the drivers. The seized dumpers have been taken to a sand plant in Kasalpura.
The geology department’s actions have been praised. They have taken a significant step towards curbing illegal mining in the region. However, many believe that more needs to be done to prevent such activities in the future. Continuous monitoring and strict penalties are essential to protect the environment and ensure that natural resources are used responsibly.
Local residents have expressed their support for these actions. Many hope that this will lead to a cleaner and safer environment. Illegal sand mining not only depletes resources but also poses risks to nearby communities, including increased flooding and erosion.
The government has promised to increase vigilance in the area. They are planning more inspections and stricter regulations to prevent illegal mining. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to help protect their natural resources.
In conclusion, the recent actions by the Banaskantha district geology department show a commitment to tackling illegal sand mining. With continued efforts, it is hoped that the district can safeguard its environment and natural wealth for future generations.
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