Illegal sand mining continues in Raigad
Unabated illegal sand mining continues in Raigad district, according to environment group Awaaz Foundation, which filed its fourth complaint this year. Awaaz has images that show sand being carted away by bullock carts along a permanent access road that has been constructed from Awas to Kihim Beach, near Alibaug.
“It is distressing to note that sand mining at some of the most protected beaches have continued for decades despite regular complaints,” said Sumaira Abdulali convener Awaaz Founda away in large volumes and consequent drop of the beach level by almost 10 feet, land erosion and falling trees, there appears to be no will to implement long term action against illegal beach sand mining in Raigad District ” 6, 9 and in May last year that rampant illegal sand mining was taking place across various areas in Raigad district. “Even though the district collector took action at Kihim in the past, the state needs to block the access road being lock carts immediately,” said Abdulali.
State officials said that they had taken cognisance of the complaint. “We will be taking up the matter with the Raigad collector and ensure that such cases stop,” said Satish Gavai, principal secretary, state environment department.
While officials from the Raigad district collector’s office refused to comment, officials from the Konkan divisional commissioners’ office said, “We have received pictures of the path being used by bullock carts. Local officers have been intimated to block it and take action,” said Bhausaheb Dangade Konkan deputy com
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that it will organise hundreds of public meetings in the state to garner support for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya , beginning with one in Goregaon on April 9.
The right-wing organisation has announced that it will hold 5,000 such meetings across the country.
In a press conference held on Friday VHP leaders claimed that ment for the construction of the temple at the disputed land in Ayodhya was the only way out.
“The Muslim organisations representing the issue are not in favour of the out-of-court settlement suggested by the Supreme Court . When the Muslims were ready for a mutual way out over do-secular forces of the country did not let it happen for their political gain,” said Surendra Jain, Joint general secretary, VHP.
“We now appeal to these so-called secular parties to act in the interest of the nation, and support the construction of the temple,” he said.
“In our view, the only way the temple will be constructed is if the bill is passed in the parliament,” he added.
Jain said the first public meeting, which will be attended by Ritambhara areligiouspreacher