India, Jan. 28 -- Illegal sand mining along the banks of the Kaldiya River at Rihabari village and the Pahumara River in Bajali district has emerged as a serious environmental concern, with locals alleging large-scale extraction using heavy machinery.

Sources said sand is being excavated continuously from the riverbanks using JCB machines, while dumpers transport the material round the clock. The unregulated operations have reportedly caused significant damage to the rivers' natural flow and weakened the riverbank structure.

Residents allege that rampant mining has accelerated erosion, threatening nearby agricultural fields and residential areas. Locals fear that continued extraction could lead to flooding and long-term ecological damag...