TV
In yet another instance of community resistance against unlawful resource extraction, villagers of Jaipur village under Udala police limits in Mayurbhanj district successfully stalled an illegal sand mining operation on Saturday.
Sources reported that the incident occurred at the Jaipur sand ghat along the Sona River, where a group of alleged sand mafia was extracting sand using a JCB machine without proper permits.
Villagers Rise Against Sand Mafia
Local residents had been noticing unauthorised activity at the Jaipur sand ghat for several days. Reports stated that the group was originally allotted a ghat at Nuagaon but had allegedly crossed over into the Jaipur area and begun lifting sand illegally.
Despite repeated objections by the villagers, the members of the sand mafia continued with their activities unabated.
On Saturday, matters escalated when dozens of villagers, including women, stormed the sand ghat to stop the extraction.
The locals not only halted the mining but also detained the JCB machine being used at the site. They also tried to stop a dumper truck already loaded with sand, but the mafia reportedly managed to flee with the vehicle.
“They had barricaded the areas and were mining sand in an unchecked manner. We objected to it, but they did not listen. Last night, when they were stealing a truckload, we stormed the area and chased them off,” said Binata Mallik, a local resident.
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Police Arrive, Mining Department Alerted
Following the commotion, Udala police reached the site and began an inquiry into the matter. The villagers demanded strict action against the offenders and cancellation of the license, if any, under which the mafia was operating. They alleged that the mining was not only illegal but also causing environmental degradation and damaging local agricultural land.
The incident has been reported to the Mining Department for further investigation. Meanwhile, the JCB machine remains at the site under villagers' watch, and officials are expected to initiate legal proceedings against those involved.
