Illegal sand mining rampant in Uttar Pradesh

Unnao, Apr 23 (ANI): Illegal sand mining continues unabated in Uttar Pradesh with numerous tractors and earthmover machines seen operating at such mining sites.

Unnao District Magistrate Anamika Singh told reporters that appropriate action would be taken if documented proof of rampant illegal mining was found in the district.

"We have got complaints in some villages of the district. We will be forming teams and carrying out inspections in the district. The team would constitute the revenue administrative officer, the station house officer and other officials. Proper action would be taken against people who are found guilty," said Singh.

Meanwhile, the driver of one of the tractors engaged at such sites, Vijay Singh said that there were about 100 such tractors that were working for illegal miners in the district.

"Normally, we undertake 10-12 rounds regularly to the site. There are about 100 tractors which are plying here everyday," said Vijay Singh.

Last month, Narendra Kumar Singh, who was posted at Banmore in the Madhya Pradesh as a Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), was crushed to death under the wheels of a tractor-trolley, supposedly by a member of the mining mafia, when he tried to stop the vehicle that was illegally carrying stones.

The country has also been gripped by different mining scams, exposing top leaders including former Karnataka chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa who was forced to quit from his post after being indicted in a report on illegal mining scam. (ANI)