Dumka: Poreyahat MLA Pradeep Yadav has urged the Godda district administration to crackdown on alleged illegal sand mining from the banks of Gerua river, a tributary of the Ganges, in the district.In a letter to deputy commissioner Anjali Yadav on Wednesday, the Congress MLA, said rampant illegal sand mining was being carried out on the banks of the river in Pathargama block. Expressing his concern over the situation, Yadav, also the Congress legislative party leader in the state assembly, claimed illegal extraction of sand has led to a noticeable depletion in the river’s water level.Yadav said illegal mining has been going on unabated, particularly between Sanatan Ghat and Siniya Chakva Ghat, despite growing public complaints and increasing scrutiny on social media platforms.Without naming people, he claimed certain elements within the system may be turning a blind eye, allowing the mafia to operate without fear.According to Yadav, a parallel and illegal system of revenue collection has emerged, wherein operators are reportedly charging around Rs 18,500 per truck as levy. “Nearly 150 overloaded trucks are transporting sand on a daily basis, often during night hours, with consignments allegedly being routed to neighbouring states. This has not only resulted in a significant loss to the state exchequer but has also emboldened those involved in the illicit trade,” he said.Highlighting the environmental impact, Yadav warned that excessive and unregulated sand extraction has led to depletion of water level in the river. “This is adversely affecting irrigation systems and agricultural activities in several adjoining villages, with farmers being forced to grapple with water shortages,” he said. District administration, however, did not comment on Yadav’s letter till Thursday evening.
