Illegal mining site raided near Tapi

SURAT: Officials of geology and mining department have seized 11 boats that were to be used for ferrying illegally mined sand on the Tapi riverbank at Gala Patiya, some 20 km off Surat.
Officials also raided a site where illegal sand mining work was going on and registered cases against the lease owner.
The department had specific information that sand excavation was going on illegally and some boats were kept ready to ferry the sand.As soon as officials struck, boat owners fled from the place.
At the mining site, where excavation was on, officials took measurements of the pits dug up to ascertain the amount of excavation done.
"We have measured the whole place and would lodge a formal complaint next week," said Prashant Pandya geologist, Surat.
A police complaint will also be registered against boat owners for illegal ferrying of natural ore and minerals.