Dabhoi: Illegal sand extraction has become a major issue in the Orsang river. Due to this rampant sand mining, the foundations of the railway overbridge built over the Orsang river near Phulvadi village in Dabhoi taluka have become exposed.

Authorities have failed to curb the growing black trade of white sand from the Orsang riverbed near Chandod. Illegal sand mining continues unchecked in areas such as Karnali, Phulvadi, Sanor, Piparia, and Bhalodara—especially during nighttime hours.

The overbridge was constructed as part of the broad-gauge railway line connecting Dabhoi to the Statue of Unity. However, the riverbed beneath this bridge has now become a hotspot for illegal sand extraction.

As a result, the structural base of the railway bridge is now visible. Although the Department of Mines and Minerals conducts occasional raids, the illegal activity quickly resumes. With trains to the Statue of Unity using this bridge regularly, the situation raises serious safety concerns. DeshGujarat