TV
Rampant ‘illegal’ sand mining along the Bhargavi and Kushabhadra rivers in the Nimapada region of Puri district has raised fears of severe flooding and loss of government revenue at a time when several coastal districts are reeling from rain-induced calamities.
As per sources, despite the absence of official leases and repeated government warnings, mafias continue to extract sand unchecked, especially under the cover of darkness, damaging river embankments and constructing unauthorised routes that pose serious environmental and public safety risks.
Embankments Breached, New Routes Created Overnight
Local alleged that sand mafias have illegally breached river embankments at over ten locations between Haripur and Balanga along the Kushabhadra River. Similar activity is also underway across the Bhargavi River, they claimed.
These breaches have created makeshift roads to aid the movement of sand-laden trucks. In many cases, mafia operatives have even filled government canals and passed through village interiors to transport sand, often at night to avoid detection.
By morning, hundreds of trucks move the illegally mined sand from these sites, generating crores in unregulated trade. Residents report that these makeshift routes appear overnight and shift locations frequently, making enforcement challenging.
“The digging up of roads has made life very uncomfortable for locals as it has destroyed the river bed and the daily path of many of us,” said Manoj Ray, a local from Nimapada.
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Flood Risk and Revenue Loss
With the monsoon in full swing, these illegal activities are compounding the risk of flash floods. When embankments are illegally breached, water enters nearby villages during heavy rain.
Officials warn that these new unregulated paths act as weak points, increasing the chances of floodwaters inundating low-lying areas.
Additionally, the state is losing substantial revenue. All official sand ghats (mining points) were supposed to remain closed from June 15 onwards for embankment maintenance. However, illegal operations continue in full swing, bypassing revenue channels and causing long-term damage to river ecosystems.
Government Promises Action
Nimapada Tehsildar Manoj Kumar Pradhan acknowledged the problem and said strict action will be taken against the culprits.
“We are identifying the unauthorised mining points, and steps are being initiated in coordination with the Mining Department to curb these operations,” he stated.
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Despite repeated crackdowns in other regions of Odisha, Nimapada’s case stands out due to the scale and open nature of operations.
Residents also expressed concerns that without urgent intervention, the damage may be irreversible, both to the land and the lives of people residing near the riverbanks.
