Illegal sand mining weakens foundation of Radhu river bridge

Ranchi: Illegal sand mining under a bridge built over Radhu river on Ranchi-Silli road has raised serious concern over public safety, with visible cracks and erosion around bridge pillars indicating possible structural damage.

Locals allege sand mafias have been extracting sand from beneath bridge pillars for months, weakening foundation of structure that connects Silli and Bundu areas. Residents fear the bridge could collapse if immediate action is not taken.

Bridge had brought major relief to people of the region after years of demand for better road connectivity. However, large-scale illegal sand lifting beneath the structure has now put its stability at risk. Sand miners are reportedly using tractors openly during daytime to transport sand from riverbed.

During an inspection of the site, alarming signs of erosion were found around pillars, where sand has allegedly been removed extensively from underneath the foundation. Locals said mining activities continue without fear despite risks involved.

Questions are also being raised over alleged administrative inaction and possible nexus between illegal operators and officials. Residents claim outsiders are often prevented from approaching mining spots, while illegal extraction continues unchecked.

Jharkhand has around 608 sand ghats, but tenders are issued for only a limited number of sites, leading to shortage in legal supply and rise in illegal mining, according to local sources. People familiar with sand trade allege involvement of various stakeholders, from local operators to organised syndicates.

Experts warn that continuous sand extraction near bridge pillars can destabilise structures and trigger major accidents. Similar concerns had surfaced earlier in 2021 after a bridge built over Kanchi river reportedly collapsed.

Illegal sand trade in Jharkhand is estimated to involve transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore, but questions remain over who is backing operations and why authorities have failed to stop mining activities taking place openly both during day and night.