Udupi yet to get approval for sand extraction

The district would face scarcity of sand for some more days as the district administration is yet to receive the approval by the Karnataka Coastal Zone Management Committee (KCZMC) for the sand extraction in CRZ area.

The sand scarcity problems, which was expected to get solved from August1, still remain unsolved following the perplexity over the approval by KCZMC. Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis told DH that the district administration with all required documents fulfilling the norms put forth by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) has sent to KCZMC. However, KCZMC is yet to approve the plan both for Mangaluru and Udupi. 

The meeting was held on July 25, but the approval is awaited.

She added that  a seven number committee, headed by deputy commissioner, has been set up for the purpose of looking into the rules and regulations put forth by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and fulfillment of the same. There are two locals in the committee which also comprises experts.

The DC said that the locals would be given priority and 107 trucks, compulsorily fitted with GPS, would be used. Though the locals would be given the priority as directed by the district in-charge minister, the registration done from 2013 would be considered. The list is with the Mines and Geology Department and is being scrutinised at gram panchayat level.

The locals are taken into consideration and are verified to check the reality. There are 28 blocks in CRZ area and the sand extraction is taken in all these 28 blocks once KCZMC approves the plan, she added.

The KCZMC is contacted frequently to know the status. All attempts are made to clear the stay order imposed on the sand extraction by National Green Tribunal, she added.