Shahdol. Villagers’ anger over illegal sand mining in the central district has once again erupted on the streets. Villagers from the Gram Panchayat Podi Kalan, under the Byauhari police station area of Shahdol district, have launched a protest against the sand contractor Mahakal Minerals Company of Umaria district. The villagers stopped overloaded trucks carrying sand and began a sit-in protest, resulting in a long queue of trucks at the scene.
Villagers allege that Mahakal Minerals Company is illegally excavating sand from Amilia Tedhi Ghat in Shahdol district, outside the boundaries of Umaria district. Using heavy machinery and overloaded vehicles, they are not only flouting regulations but also causing serious environmental damage. Villagers say they have already complained to the district administration about this illegal mining, but the lack of concrete action has forced them to protest. They also allege that the overloaded sand transport is damaging roads, increasing the risk of accidents, and severely impacting the natural beauty of the river. The recent alleged attack and death threat against the Tehsildar in Byawari by the sand mafia has further inflamed villagers’ anger, leading them to openly protest.
Hemraj Yadav, a local villager and district vice president of the Yadav Mahasabha, said, “Mahakal Minerals is openly excavating sand outside the border. The administration was fully informed, but the lack of action has emboldened the mafia. If the illegal mining isn’t stopped soon, the villagers will intensify their protest. Currently, the situation remains tense, and the villagers are adamant on demanding strict action from the district administration.”
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