AGARTALA, Feb 14 (TIWN): Though several initiatives have been 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.

River beds are stripped of sand and smuggled illegally to a market on the demands of various carrying contractor.

Sand mining transforms the riverbeds into large and deep pits; as a result, the groundwater table drops, leaving the drinking water wells on the embankments of these rivers dry. Sand mining activities have an impact upon the river's water quality which creates health issues among the population of the area.

The sand smuggling in the river bank increases erosion which creates difficulties for the people residing in the embankment of the river.

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.

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.

However, the locals urged for strict action against the illicit crime so that the prolonged erosion on the river banks could be stopped.