KSCZMA approves sand extraction in CRZ limits

Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority (KSCZMA) has given approval for the extraction of sand in seven identified sand bars on rivers banks that come under CRZ (coastal regulation zone) limits in Brahmavar and Udupi taluks.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Mines and Geology-Udupi, the seven-member committee gave approval for sand mining in seven out of the nine sand bars at a meeting held recently. The members while giving their approval had taken into consideration the objections submitted against sand mining at two sand bars on River Seetha.

Fourty five licence holders had applied for sand mining activity through traditional method, sources said.

The district administration had arranged a training session, conducted by Rane T4U GPS company, for the 45 licence holders on the method of generating the trip sheet. The licence holders were instructed to stock 10% of the sand extracted at a yard in Nejar for Nirmithi Kendra.

As many as 30 sand bars had been identified in the rivers that come under Non-CRZ areas. Of them 8 are in Udupi and Brahmavar taluk, 9 in Karkala and Hebri taluks and 13 in Kundapur taluks.

Notification was issued to extract sand from 23 sand bars. Of the 23 sand bars, sand extracted from six sand bars will be utilised for government projects.

Tender has been called for the remaining 17 sandbars. As many as 40,000 metric tonnes of sand are stocked at Gangolli and Kodi area, the release stated.