Workers death exposes illegal sand mining

Ramanji (36) of Gownasandra and Muddurappa (40) of Kallinayakanahalli were buried alive when they were engaged in sand mining in Alaganahalli village of Gauribidanur taluk on Monday. The families of the deceased workers are now thrown into streets. A similar incident happened four years ago in Gollahalli of the taluk in which four persons lost their lives.

The sand mining in the district seems to be continuing uninterrupted despite a direction from the High Court, orders from the State government. While the district administration claims to have reigned in the sand mafia, the situation on the ground speaks of a totally different thing. The exercise of checking the vehicles and levying penalty appear to be a  superficial measure, just for the purpose of statistics. It may be recalled that Chintamani legislator had intercepted vehicles transporting sand illegally a few days ago. However, such vehicles escaping the notice of the authorities has become an enigma for the public.

Legislators, cutting across party affiliations had staged day-and-night dharna for four days in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding measures to curb illegal sand mining in the district. The district in-charge minister had promised to check the menace, which however is yet to be seen in action.

Environments have expressed serious concern over unbridled exploitation of natural resources for selfish needs of human beings. They apprehend that reckless sand mining may deplete water resources and turn the district into a barren region.