Bajali: Illegal sand mining along the banks of the Kaldiya River at Rihabari village and the Pahumara River in Bajali district has emerged as a serious environmental concern, with locals alleging large-scale extraction using heavy machinery.
Sources said sand is being excavated continuously from the riverbanks using JCB machines, while dumpers transport the material round the clock. The unregulated operations have reportedly caused significant damage to the rivers’ natural flow and weakened the riverbank structure.
Residents allege that rampant mining has accelerated erosion, threatening nearby agricultural fields and residential areas. Locals fear that continued extraction could lead to flooding and long-term ecological damage.
Concerned citizens have demanded immediate intervention by the district administration and the concerned departments to halt the illegal activity. “The river is our lifeline. If this continues unchecked, it will destroy our land and future,” a villager said.
The district administration has not yet issued any official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, residents have also urged the transport department to take action, alleging that overloaded dumpers operating at night pose serious risks to other vehicles and public safety.