Aundh: Activists Claim Mula River Can Get Easily Flooded Due To Illegal Sand Lifting, District Admin Orders Action
Mehab Qureshi
Pune, November 24, 2020: After the Aundh activist Vaishali Patkar lodged an FIR with Sangvi Police Station against illegal sand mining activities at the confluence of Ramnadi and Mula river, however, it seems that the stakeholders are not yet punished.
Seeking further action against the culprits, Jeevitnadi founder Shailaja Deshpande and Aundh Vikas Mandal president Patkar took the matter with Additional Collector Vijay Deshmukh.
According to both the activists, the Mula river can be easily flooded because of the sand mining issue. Deforestation has also been done so that the mechanical equipment like JCB and poclain can fit inside the area. Which in turn has also led to a change inflow of the water
“Strict action should be taken against illegal sand mining and proper planning should be done for the environmental damage done at the place, and orders should be issued by a separate team to excavate and transport sand at the confluence of Ramnadi and Mula river”, said Patkar.
Deshpande added,” The additional collector was surprised and shocked at the same time to know about the sand mining. We asked him to take strict action against the culprits. He wasn’t aware of the situation but after understanding the situation he has assured that strict action will be taken.”
Additional collector Deshmukh has directed Sub-Divisional Officer (Haveli) to co-ordinate with the municipal corporation, Maharashtra pollution control board (MPCB) and police and take action against the illegal sand lifting.
“Surveillance should be carried out at the place where this is happening and from time to time strict legal action should be taken. Also, care should be taken to ensure that no unauthorized excavation takes place in the area in future”, Deshmukh stated in his order.
