Illegal sand mining dries up another Cauvery tributary

After several complaints regarding illegal mining on the banks of Suvarnavathi river, a tributary of River Cauvery, officials visited the spot and took stock of the situation, here on Saturday.

Illegal sand mining has continued unabated in Hebbasur, Chandakawadi, Homma, Ambale and Koodlur villages, which are along the banks of Suvarnavathi river. Apart from illegal sand mining, trees along the banks of the river are also being illegally felled and smuggled.

Last year, Suvarnavathi reservoir was almost full and farmers of the region were disappointed, as the water released from it did not even flow up to a kilometer. The water seeped through large number holes, dug to extract sand.

Farmers of the region have alleged that a few political leaders were in favour of those involved in illegal sand mining. They have also alleged that they had received death threats for opposing illegal sand mining.

Advocate Balasubramaniam said that due to illegal mining, ground water levels had been hit. Sand was also being mined with the help of excavators during the night, resulting in losses to farmers, who have farms close the lake, he added.

He alleged that the officials of taluk and district administrations, Police and the department of Mines and Geology were hand in glove with those involved in illegal sand mining activities of the region, and had not taken any action, despite several complaints.

He demanded the tahsildar to initiate action against individuals involved in the same. Shivanna, following his visit promised to take action against the erring parties.