Sand transport ban stays

Binny Abraham of Puttur had challenged the order issued by the Deputy Director of Mines, Mangalore, on August 8, 2009, banning the transportation of sand outside the State, stating that it was a violation of Article 19 (1) (d)

While issuing the ban, it was stated that construction activities in Bangalore was increasing and there was a severe shortage of sand for construction, but most of the sand from Dakshina Kannada district was being sent outside the state.  The High Court dismissed the petition and upheld the ban.

Reduce noise pollution

The High Court has directed the traffic authorities to consider the representation of Keshavan V C, who had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court asking them to take urgent steps to reduce noise pollution.

The PIL requested the High Court to direct the traffic police to undertake regular drives to check the menace of noise pollution in Bangalore.  The petitioner contended that high decibel levels were creating hearing loss and hypertension and had also lead to the disappearance of sparrows in the city.