12 vehicles seized in midnight action against illegal sand mining in Girna riverbed at Bhadgaon

The revenue administration carried out a midnight raid at Wak in Bhadgaon taluka after receiving information that illegal sand extraction was allegedly under way in the Girna riverbed. In the action, carried out under the guidance of Tehsildar Sheetal Solat, 12 vehicles were seized: seven dumpers, two JCBs and three tractors.

The action has caused a stir among those engaged in sand extraction in the taluka. The issue of sand mining in the Girna riverbed has been in discussion for some time. Residents have been complaining that sand is being excavated and transported under cover of darkness.

On October 1, around dawn, the administration received information that sand was being extracted and transported from the Girna riverbed at Wak. A team of the revenue department then rushed to the spot. Vehicles used for sand extraction and transport were found in the riverbed. The administration took the dumpers, JCBs and tractors into its custody.

During the action, Tehsildar Sheetal Solat reportedly contacted Police Inspector Mahesh Tak and sought police protection. The seized vehicles have been deposited at the tehsil office. The owners and drivers of the vehicles and their permits need to be checked, and further legal action taken.

Meanwhile, a separate action against illegal sand mining was reportedly carried out in the Girad-Mandki area as well. A team led by Circle Officer Dinesh Yede seized from Mandki a tractor suspected of being used for illegal sand excavation and deposited it at the tehsil office.

In a third action, on the night of the following day, two white Tata Hywa dumpers carrying illegal sand beyond the vehicles' permitted load limit were seized at midnight under the leadership of Bhadgaon Tehsildar Sheetal Solat. The team in this action included Sudhir Sonawane, Rajashri Janrao, Bharat Patil, V. C. Patil, Sheetal Rajput, Priyanka Shinde, Lokesh Mahajan, Prasad Duskar, Vishal Suryawanshi and driver Swapnil Mahale.

Complaints of illegal sand mining are frequent in some stretches of the Girna riverbed. Such activity is likely to affect the natural structure of the riverbed, the environment and public property. Instead of stopping at seizing vehicles, it is necessary to trace the root of the illegal extraction, examine the role of the persons concerned and take preventive measures so that such incidents do not recur.