Sand mining: Udupi DC to write to state govt

Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis will write to state government listing the demands of lorry owners who have been protesting against the delay in mining sand in the district.

According to the Lorry Owners’ Association, seven sand blocks have been identified in CRZ areas.

It is estimated that 17,526 metric tonnes of sand is available in these blocks. The availability of sand in these blocks is insufficient to meet the demands of the district.

In addition, the prices of sand will increase due to non-availability of sand, the association said.

The deputy commissioner said the association has requested for simultaneous identification of blocks in CRZ and non-CRZ areas and issue permits accordingly.

She said the state government’s attention has been drawn to bring amendments to the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concessions Rules to identify sand blocks minimum in one acre land in non- CRZ areas. “We have also urged the state government to reduce the area under ecologically sensitive areas (CRZ areas) in Kundapur and Byndoor,” she added.

She said the government should introduce amendments to ensure that the tendering process is started at Gram Panchayat level, a system which existed five years ago. Currently, the tendering process takes place at district or taluk centers.

The government has to amend the notification of Minor Mineral Concession Rules (KMMRC) and Stone Crushing Act of 1994, she said.