Congress complains to Lokayukta against sand mining in DK district

Speaking to presspersons here on Tuesday, he said “sand mining mafia has reached a dangerous situation in Dakshina Kannada district.  The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada had himself confirmed that sand mining mafia is in the hands of criminals and finding it difficult to check the illegal sand mining.”

Alleging that District-in-Charge Minister Krishna Palemar is involved in sand mining mafia, he said just like Reddy brothers, if Palemar tries to carry out sand mafia in the district, then the people of the district will give him a tough answer.

“In the name of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), sand is being transported to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The notification from Mines and Geology department Director’s office in Bangalore states that 3,200 metric tonne sand is required for the ISRO project and sand must be transported from Mangalore. Though sand mining is banned in Kerala, the government had passed ‘Kalavara’ project, for the ISRO project, and had agreed to supply sand from Allapuza and Mumbala. The sand which was being transported from Mangalore does not reach ISRO,” he alleged.

He said “about 1000 metric tonnes of sand is being stocked illegally at Adyapady and Siddakatte.”

Referring to the recent raid, KPCC Spokesperson M G Hegde said that if the sand was leagally stored in a land that belongs to Vikas Education Trust near Mary Hill, then why did the Tahsildar and officials concerned raided the area and seized the sand.

“Palemar should reply openly in whose name the trip sheet was available along with the permit for storing the sand. Palemar should also answer as to who was paying the royalty to the government for storing the sand and transporting the sand,” he demanded.

Right to question

On defamation case being filed against the Congress leader and media, he said “in democracy, opposition have the right to raise questions against the government. Congress is ready to face defamation.”