‘Mulling over release of seized sand trucks’

District In-charge Minister U T Khader said that attempts will be made to release the seized sand lorries and trucks that were attempting to illegally transport sand.

The move is being taken on humanitarian grounds, the minister added.

Speaking to mediapersons on Saturday, Khader said, “A few youths have purchased vehicles to engage in sand transportation. Greedy nature led them to indulge in illegal sand transportation and consequently their vehicles were seized by the police. Now, the family members are in distress, being unable to repay the loans borrowed for purchasing the sand lorries. I have asked the deputy commissioner to look into the possibility of imposing a one-time fine for releasing the seized vehicles by issuing a strict warning.”

Further, the minister said the seized vehicles are parked beside the roads by the police owing to paucity of space on the police station premises. “The vehicles are getting rusted over a period of time. As the vehicle owners are in distress due to financial constraints, efforts will be made to release the vehicles,” he added.

Clarification sought

The minister said that permits have been issued for 76 persons for extraction of sand in CRZ areas. Few more persons have sought permits.

“The state officers of the Mines and Geology Department have written to the Union ministry seeking clarification of the National Green Tribunal guidelines to issue permits only for traditional sand extractors,” explained Khader.

Further, he said the sand available in Thumbe vented dam will be extracted and sand will be auctioned for the public use. A committee under the assistant commissioners have been constituted to remove sand from vented dams situated at various taluks in the district, he added.