Lokayukta probe into sand mining at Sarjapur Lake

Lokayukta has taken up a suo motu complaint on illegal sand extraction from Doddakere Lake in southeastern Bengaluru’s Sarjapur.

Based on news reports about illegal extraction and transportation of sand from the lake, the Lokayukta has initiated an enquiry and has issued notices to the officials concerned, including the superintendent of police, Bengaluru Rural, for immediate action against those indulging in sand extraction.

“The news reports indicate that the extraction of sand from Doddakere lake and lake bed has been going on for some time and the officers concerned have failed to act and take appropriate legal action to prevent such illegal extraction of sand. It is needless to point out that illegal extraction of sand is an offence within the meaning of Section 379 of the IPC,” Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty stated in the order.

The Lokayukta stated that activities concerning minor minerals such as quarrying, extraction and transportation of sand would be in contravention of rules 42 and 44 of KMMC Rules (Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession) as the sand belongs to the state.

The residents living around the Doddakere lake, one of the biggest lakes in Anekal taluk, had raised concern about incessant digging at the lake and lake bed area throughout the night. The residents alleged that the local police had not taken any action.

Notices issued

The Lokayukta has issued a notice to Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru Rural), Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat Bengaluru Urban district, the Director of Mines and Geology Department and SP Bengaluru Rural.

The Lokayukta has asked the deputy commissioner and the Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer to conduct an enquiry. The officers have been directed to submit a report in 10 weeks.