AGARTALA, Feb 5 (TIWN): Despite of several initiatives taken by the authorities to curb the rising sand smuggling in the area, sand continues to be trucked from the various parts of the Howrah River in the State.

Allegation has been raised that despite of knowing the facts government has not issued permits to mine sand.

After the sands are being trucked from the Howrah River, the miscreants than illegally sells the smuggled sand with high price in the market.

On the other hand, it has also been alleged that the sand has been trucked after clearing deal with the Forest Department by the sand mining mafias.

Agitated locals residing near the Howrah River allegedly claimed that the officials of Forest Department involved in the sand mining should be unveiled soon. Further, a strict action should be taken against them.

Showing thumb finger to the ban on sand-mining and quarry enforced by High Court, the sand mining is continuing at large.

It seems that the instruction from the higher authority to have fallen loose with the instance of sand mining going rampant in the state at different places.

Though the High court has imposed a restriction on the sand mining yet there is a rise in the sand mining from different belt of Howrah River in the state.

Amidst of the ban imposed by the HC, it is alleged that the sand-mafia’s are showing a thumb finger to the decision of the HC and are carrying out drilling from the river bed in the broad day light under the nose of the police.

However, taking of the slackness attitude of the police administration towards sand smuggling, sand mining are going at large in different belt of Howrah River including spots at Jirania, Champaknagar, Khayaerpur and others.

It is to be mentioned here that it is a quick money-making process with less investment.

The environmental consequences of such mining, though, can be serious. These can include increased flooding as miners cart away the sand holding Back River waters.

It also causes erosion of the river bank and damages biodiversity.