PERNEM
As illegal sand extraction activities continue unabated in the Chapora River, the Agarwada panchayat has lodged a complaint with the mines and geology department, deputy collector and coastal police.
Sand extraction from the Chapora River has been banned and the National Green Tribunal has directed the mines and geology department to set up CCTV cameras on the banks of the rivers.
In its complaint, the Agarwada panchayat has sought to know if these CCTV cameras have been set up, and have threatened to petition the NGT if authorities fail to stop illegal sand extraction in the Chapora River.
According to reliable sources, sand extraction activity is allegedly being backed by the son of a former MLA.
“It is indeed surprising that authorities have been taking action against illegal sand extraction activity in other parts of the State, but have remained silent on similar illegal activity in the Chapora River,” remarked a local.
