Illegal sand quarrying poses threat to T-Bridge in Cuttack

Rampant smuggling of sand from nearby areas of T-bridge on the river Mahanadi at Baideswar locality under Banki subdivision of Cuttack district is allegedly posing a serious threat to the structure.

In view of the same, the district Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde has clamped Section 163 in the nearby areas and ordered to arrest the sand mafia involved in the illegal activity.

Also Read: Nuapada NAC EO 'manhandled by BJD workers'

According to sources, several mafias are active in the region and are earning handsomely in the absence of regular raids by the local administration. Concrete pillars of the bridge are facing threats as the minor mineral is illegally being quarried from around the structure.

Allegedly, the mafias are selling the minor mineral at higher prices outside the district.

When contacted, Banki tehsildar Ashesh Kumar Nayak said, “We have sought a report from Baideswar police station IIC. He will visit the spot soon and submit his report.”

“The mining officer concerned is presently stationed at Cuttack. Hence, it is difficult on his part to properly control around 15 tehsils under his jurisdiction,” tehsildar Nayak stated.