Allow sand mining only with permit: ZP chief

Many are indulging in extraction without licence

Speaking at the monthly Karnataka Development Programmes (KDP) review meeting here on Tuesday, he said many are indulging in sand mining illegally without license. Due to this trend all those who possess license for sand mining are facing trouble.

“There is a need for sand for various development works being undertaken in the district. The permission for sand mining in rivers and streams should be given through Gram Panchayat,”he said adding that there is a need to check transportation of sand outside the state.

“Sand mining should be allowed within the framework of law. ‘Muscle mafia’ is involved in sand mining,” he alleged. He said that when the government brings in new policy on sand mining, the process of auctioning sand will be stopped in the district.

Standing Committee on Education and Health President Manu Muthappa said few persons had moved to the court urging stopping sand mining in Napoklu and Guddehosur region.

The official from the department of Mines and Geology said that a NGO has brought a stay on sand mining at Napoklu, Betri, Kondangeri, Siddapura and Guddehosur.

Probe

The President directed the officials concerned to intensify the probe on arrest of a warden while attempting to sell rice from Girijana Ashrama School at Kattehalli.
Manu Muthappa said that former Zilla Panchayat President and Vice-President have not returned the furniture given by the government to their houses back to Zilla Panchayat even after completing their tenure.

He said “there is a rule that the furniture should be returned after completing their term. Inspite of issuing notices, the furniture have not been returned. Measures should be taken to seize the furniture.”

Vijaya gave an ultimatum of three days to the former president and vice-president to return the furniture.

He also directed the officials to take disciplinary action against an official who had purchased tiller by creating fake document at Palibetta.