Locals block road over illegal sand mining

Kendrapara: Vehicular traffic on Kendrapara-Patkura route was disrupted today when locals including women blocked the road near Akhua opposing illegal sand mining from Chitroptala river ghat.

They placed burning tyres on the road to block movement of vehicles on the road.

Locals alleged because of regular sand mining, vehicles plying on the river bank meet with accidents.

"Besides, river bank has weakened, thereby creating danger for nearby villages," alleged Pabitra, a local.

In view of the protest, the district administration has deployed police personnel to maintain law and order.

Marshaghai Additional Tehsildar Chandrakanta Panda said, "The sand ghat has been auctioned for the past three years. But mining could not undertaken due to stiff opposition by locals."