AGARTALA, March 18 (TIWN): Despite of several initiatives taken by the authority, sand smugglers continue to truck sand from the river banks.

Despite the fact that the government has not issued permitions to mine sand to the truck owners, miscreants illegally continue to mine sand from various river banks.

According to the reports, the miscreants illegally sell the smuggled sand in market charging high price.

Locals alleged that the miscreants have under table relationships with the officials of the Forest Department. Therefore, the miscreant carries out with the sand smuggling in the broad day light.

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

Besides, knowing the illicit act going on in various parts of the river bank which includes Gomati River, Howrah River the concern department is mum, alleged the locals.

However, officials turning a blind eye towards these sand Lorries reaching various parts of the state. It indicates that they have either connection with sand smugglers or are directed by higher-ups in their department or politicians not to check these Lorries.

It is to be mentioned here that with the continues sand smuggling in the various River banks is leading to soil erosion creating problem for locals residing near the river and also causes water pollution.