The Bombay high court has come to the rescue of an island, adobe to around 100 families, which are on the verge of losing their only source of livelihood due to illegal sand mining in the adjoining Vaitarna river. The court has also ordered the Railway administration to install CCTV cameras, powered by solar panels, under the bridges to enable authorities to take action against illegal sand miners. The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Julie Kharbhumi Labharthi Shetkari Sahkari Sanstha complaining about illegal sand mining in Vaitarna river that had threatened the only source of livelihood of the farmers from Jhow island. On the request of the petitioner’s counsel, senior advocate Gayatri Singh, the bench has also directed revenue authorities to immediately destroy the points used to offload illegally excavated sand. Besides, it has also directed the Maharashtra Maritime Board to keep vigil in the area by using patrolling boats.

Source: Hindustan Times April 14, 2018 18:33 UTC