Large scale sand lifting was allegedly continuing from the Kanchi river in Tamar despite restrictions imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), with local residents claiming that hundreds of tractors and several heavy vehicles were transporting sand from the river every day. Badla, Haradih and Bamladiha Ghats have reportedly emerged as major points of sand extraction, with supplies allegedly being sent towards Ranchi, Jamshedpur and other cities.
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Locals Claimed Daily Sand Trade Runs Into Lakhs
According to local residents, sand was being transported from the river from daytime till late at night, including during the monsoon. They claimed that a loaded Hyva was being sold for around Rs. 35,000, a mini-Hyva load for Rs. 18,000, a Turbo vehicle load for Rs. 19,000 and a tractor load for around Rs. 30,000. Based on these local claims, the daily value of the sand trade could run into several lakhs of rupees. Routes through Salgadiha canal road, Kurkutta, Ragdabdang and Sarjamdih towards Raidih Mor were reportedly being used to move the material towards Ranchi and Jamshedpur.
Sand Lifting Near Bridge Pillars Raised Safety Concerns
Residents also claimed that tractors could be seen lined up inside the river while sand was being removed openly. Sand was allegedly being dug up around the pillars of the high level bridge between Badla and Sutilong, which was constructed about a year ago. Locals have raised concerns that removal of sand near the bridge pillars could affect the safety of its foundation. Unregulated extraction from the riverbed could also alter the natural flow of the Kanchi and affect its banks and the surrounding environment.
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Residents have demanded an immediate halt to the alleged illegal sand mining and sought an inquiry by the administration and mining department. They questioned why extraction was continuing despite environmental restrictions and the NGT order. Locals also warned that continued sand removal around the bridge could pose a structural risk and called for inspection of the riverbed and bridge foundation.
CO Promised to Take Cognisance
Tamar Circle Officer Samaresh Prasad Bhandari said he had joined the post only a few months ago and had not received any information regarding illegal sand mining or transportation in the area. He said he would take cognisance of the matter and look into the allegations. The Tamar police station in-charge could not be reached for his response despite attempts to contact him.
The allegations regarding the scale of the sand trade, mining activity and the impact on the bridge and river ecology are based on claims by local residents. An official assessment or investigation report confirming the allegations was not available at the time of reporting.
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