Sabarmati has lost 75% of its soil to illegal mining: Former BJP MP claims govt collusion

Illegal sand mining has depleted 75% of the Sabarmati River’s sand, former BJP MP Dipsinh Rathod has alleged. He has accused local authorities of collusion and threatened to lead a public agitation if immediate action is not taken.

Rathod, who represented Sabarkantha in Parliament from 2014 to 2024 and has served as an MLA from Prantij and Talod, claimed that 25 to 30 boats are deployed daily to extract sand illegally from locations including Waghpur, Piludra, Sampad, and Sadoliya. He further alleged that the sand mafia receives advance warnings before raids by the Department of Mines and Minerals.

“If strict action is not taken, I will lead a public agitation,” Rathod said, urging a crackdown by authorities. 

The issue has gained renewed attention following the recent death of two men near Piludra, Prantij, who were struck by a sand-loaded dumper truck. The fatal accident has triggered public outrage and heightened scrutiny of dumper operators and illegal mining networks.

Rathod alleged that more than 200 overloaded dumpers travel daily through the region, damaging roads, farmlands, and air quality. “Dust clouds from the dumpers have engulfed nearby farms, and agricultural land is being destroyed,” he said.

He also accused the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) of failing in its duty, citing a nexus of bribery that prevents proper investigation. 

“Officials accept bribes and conduct only symbolic raids, penalising one or two vehicles before declaring the issue resolved,” Rathod said. He added that he plans to file formal complaints with the chief minister, district collector, mining officer, and other relevant departments.

Residents have reported that leaking dumpers are causing road deterioration and accidents, while some villages are becoming deserted due to the risks posed by mining-related traffic. Another fatal dumper accident on Friday has only intensified demands for decisive action.

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