Nagpur: Despite district collector Vipin Itankar's directive to fully dismantle the unauthorized steel and abutment bridge which covered 75% of the width of Kanhan River for illegal transportation of sand, a significant portion of its foundation is intact. Now, the sand mafia has brazenly constructed an underwater ramp by dumping rubble and boulders into the riverbed, further endangering the river's ecosystem.
Earlier, TOI had reported how the sand mafia blocked the river's flow by constructing a 400-metre-long, 10-foot-wide makeshift steel bridge. Taking cognizance of the report, an inquiry was ordered followed by directives to dismantle the bridge. Kamptee tehsildar Ganesh Jagdale ensured removal of the abutments constructed with boulders and murram, but only two steel sheets were dismantled from the structure, leaving five foundation legs embedded in the riverbed. This partial action allowed illegal activities to persist unabated in the area.
The collector had prohibited sand excavation activities until further orders and till the time the river's original course was verified through modern mapping techniques like GPS and ETS (Electronic Total Station). The collector had also ordered the erection of cement poles to clearly delineate the legally permitted sand excavation zones.
In their latest move, the sand mafia employed heavy machinery, including an excavator and labourers, to build an underwater ramp. Over 100 tonnes of rubble and boulders were dumped into the river to create a path for heavy vehicles transporting sand from private agricultural land on Khasra No. 94 in Mouza Bina, Kamptee. The land is surrounded by the Kanhan River and lacks a motorable road. The new ramp enabled illegal transportation of sand in violation of environmental and administrative guidelines, said sources.
The illegal ramp was constructed allegedly under the watch of local authorities. Jagdale, who was responsible for preparing a ‘spot panchnama' and reporting the illegalities to the district collector, reportedly failed to ensure the complete dismantling of the illegal bridge and to address its impact on the river flow, said sources.
The sand mafia's activities diverted the river's flow, leaving the area where the steel bridge was constructed almost dry. Satellite images and eyewitness accounts from local farmers (who requested anonymity) suggest that dredged sand from other parts of the river is being used to raise the riverbed, further damaging the delicate ecosystem. Locals and environmentalists have also raised concerns about the use of heavy sand-loaded vehicles on the ramp, exacerbating harm to the riverbed and surrounding areas.
Environmental experts and activists argue that such rampant illegal activities could have long-term consequences, including irreversible damage to the Kanhan River and disruption of water supply to nearby areas. They have called for the immediate demolition of both the ramp and the remnants of the illegal bridge, as well as legal action against those responsible.
Jagdale maintained that the entire bridge was demolished. When TOI brought the latest development to his notice, the Kamptee tehsildar assured further action.