PIL against sand mining in Hassan dist

Environmentalist H P Mohan said that in view of unabated sand mining in the district a public interest litigation (PIL) would be filed in the High Court urging to implement a suitable sand policy to curb looting of natural resources.

Addressing a press conference represented by various progressive organisations in Hassan recently, he alleged that sand mining continues unabatedly with the support of elected representatives.

The state government had come out with a sand policy on lines of Tamil Nadu some months ago, but failed to implement it properly. The responsibility of the same was handed over to public works department. 

But PWD did not show any interest over the same and this has resulted in illegal sand mining gaining momentum, especially during the last two months which has turned into a mafia of sorts.

While the natural resources of the country is being looted it is also having an adverse impact on the society, as some youths have taken politicians and officials into confidence and are on way to make some quick money, he alleged.

The continuous plying of trucks carrying loads of sand above the recommended level has resulted in the roads turning into death trap riddled with potholes.  It is true that some involved in this illegal mining have turned crorpathis within a short span of time. 

He pointed out that more than two rivers have gone barren due to continuous sand mining in Kerala. 

Malenadu Janapara Horata Samit president Kishore Kumar, Manu Kumar of KRV, G R Ranganath and others were present.