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Task force formed to curb illegal sand mining

Last Updated 21 August 2016, 18:21 IST

The state government has constituted Mineral Protection Task Force to crackdown on illegal sand mining, Mines and Geology Minister Vinay Kulkarni has said.

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, the minister said that the task force, to be headed by an IPS officer, will have 300 men drawn from police force and the department of Mines and Geology.

The task force will initiate stringent measures to curb illegal sand mining in the state.
He said that the sand scarcity in the state would be addressed soon.  “Karnataka requires 23 million metric tonnes (MMT) of sand and 6 MMT sand is being obtained from rivers. As much as 23 MMT of M-sand will be available once 66 M-sand production units start operation,” the minister added.

Mahadayi dispute
Kulkarni said that the prime minister had been requested to intervene in the Mahadayi river water dispute. “He may not intervene for the present in the wake of the elections in Goa. We will meet him once again for resolution of the issue,” he said.

He said that that violation of new sand mining policy attracts one-year jail term and a penalty of Rs 2 lakh.
 

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(Published 21 August 2016, 18:21 IST)

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