nabated illegal sand mining is posing a threat to the under-construction bridge on the Nagavali river as apprehensions are rife that the excess excavation from the nearby ramp will be a blow to the strength of the upcoming structure that will ensure connectivity between old and new Srikakulam.
Around one lakh people living in Gujaratipeta, PN Colony and the 20 villages nearby have been facing troubles in reaching the core areas of Srikakulam, with the dismantling of the old bridge three years ago to make way for the new bridge. They now fear that the new bridge would not solve the purpose, if the strength of the new bridge is compromised with the ongoing illegal sand exaction.
Recently, the government has opened a sand ramp in Hayatnagar, near where the new bridge is coming up, and it has proved a gold mine for sand transporters. Sand with estimated value of more than Rs.1 crore is being lifted every day from the ramp, which is very close to the National Highway 16. Further, illegal sand mining from the sand reach has become rampant of late and the blames for it are being put on the nexus between government officials and transporters to make hay.
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The locals of Hayatnagar recently took to the streets alleging that sand is being transported illegally for the reach by lorries and tractors in the night to which officials have been turning a blind eye. Leading the protest, YSRC leader Dharmana Prasada Rao demanded a thorough probe into the allegations and necessary steps for the protection of new bridge.
“Illegal mining continues unabated from near the bridge in violation of the Water, Land Tree Act-2002 which says that sand excavation must not be undertaken near the bridge as it would lead to the collapse of the structure owing to lack of strength,” YSRC leader Gumma Nagesh told The Hindu . What is the use of spending crores on the works, if the govt. fails to protect it? he asked. Asked about the malpractice, Srikakulam Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham said that the issue would be referred to the Roads and Buildings Department and a field inspection would be conducted soon. “We will close the sand ramp at Hayatnagar, if necessary. The R &B officials will verify the veracity of the allegations,” he said.
WALTA Act prohibits sand mining near the bridge as it will lead to the collapse of the structure owing to lack of strength. What is the use of spending crores on the works, if the govt. fails to protect it?
- Gumma Nagesh,YSRC leader