Illegal sand mining allegedly begins in Hamirpur after Betwa operations start

Illegal sand mining and trading without royalty has allegedly begun in Hamirpur soon after mining started in the Betwa river, while the police administration has remained silent. Sand is reportedly being extracted secretly by tractors from the Lalpura police station area and then supplied in the town and nearby villages.

The entire operation is allegedly being carried out through the Lalpura-Sumerpur route and the Chhani-Ingohata route. The role of the local police appears highly suspicious in the matter. Despite several orders, the local police have not been able to stop the illegal mining.

Those involved in the illegal sand trade reportedly became active soon after the rainy season ended. Around a dozen tractors are allegedly mining sand illegally from the Lalpura area every day and bringing it to the town and nearby villages without paying any royalty.

The tractors reportedly come and stand in the morning near the water tank close to the Banki route in the town. After the buying and selling is completed, the sand is taken away for unloading. The sand extracted illegally is brought into the town through the area near Lalpura police station.

A similar operation is allegedly being run through the Ingohata-Chhani route. The trade is reportedly continuing openly under the watch of the police in Lalpura, Bivaar and Sumerpur, as well as the Ingohata police outpost.

The tractors are allegedly moving around throughout the day without any royalty, while the police are accused of turning a blind eye. The report has also raised questions over the role of the local police in allowing the activity to continue.

Sumerpur Station House Officer Pawan Kumar Patel said, “The matter is not in my knowledge. Action is taken only by the Minerals Department. The police are present only to provide assistance.”

Mineral Inspector Umakant said, “I do not know about the matter. I will conduct a raid and investigate on Tuesday. If they are found to have brought sand mined without royalty, strict action will be taken against them.”