Mafia digging into Pushkar dunes worries safari unions

Ajmer: Illegal mining of sand in the Pushkar town is disturbing the ecological balance as well as destroying the intrinsic beauty of this international tourist place. The sand dunes have started vanishing from the outskirts of the town where every year the international camel fair is organized. Thus, the Camel Safari Union is pushing hard to save these dunes as illegal mining is disturbing their economy.
Pushkar is surrounded by hills on one side and by a desert and a lake on other two sides.These sand dunes attract foreign tourists who enjoy camel safaris here. However, sand mining by the mafia during night has left the safari union worried. "Deep gullies can be seen in the desert where they dug sand through JCB machines," said Ashok Tak of the union.
Around 10 days back, the digging started near backside of the pumping house of the water supply department, on Motisar Road and on the way to Savitri Temple. "They are coming at night with JCB and tractors and leave deep holes in the ground," added Ladu Singh Rawat of the union.
Sources said that the illegal mining mafia sell the fine particle sand to the resorts, which are spread over the desert to give a view of desert to their guests and the lower layer of sand dug from these places is sold to building contractors. "If they remove the desert then nothing will be left in the town because mostly foreign tourists, who come from European countries, enjoy camel rides," added Tak.
The union warned the administration that the changing shape of the landscape will cost heavily to the town. "There are more than two hundred families who are dependent on the business of camel safari or run shops selling decorative items for camels," added Shiv Kumar Gujjar.
The sand dunes are also important for this place because every year more than a thousand camels come to participate in the Pushkar fair from different parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. "Large amount of sand has been already removed and if illegal mining continues then soon the area will be left with holes and trenches," Tak said further.
In 2004 too, illegal mining of sand was started but the divisional commissioner directed the local administration to act on this racket. "We got the complaint and directed to the mining department to act," said an official.
The official added that it is the jurisdiction of mining department to ban such activities. "We have also asked police to remain alert on such activities," added the official.