Bridges under threat in Kundapur

People are in anticipation that the foundation of the bridges may be damaged if overloaded trucks of sand and iron ore continue to ply. There are several bridges between Kolalagiri and Shirur in Udupi district. Sand mining is being carried out beneath almost all the bridges in the district posing threat to its existence.

People say that at least 50 to 100 trucks mine sand near the Mabakola riverbed in Kundapura everyday. Similarly, sand mining continues unabatted at Hattikudru, Herukudru, Balkuru, Kandluru, Arate, Byndoor and other villages in Kundapur taluk.

Contractors get Rs 2,000 per one load of sand if it was sold to region within 15 - 20 kilometres. The rate will increase depending on the distance. The main contractors divide the area allotted to them and sub contractors carry out business in their respective areas. People now urge the authorities concerned to check the illegal transportation of sand by making installation of GPS compulsory in trucks.