JOIN USDH talkback: Eye-opener to ground realities in state
Kudos to DH news team for providing an "Insight" into sand mining. It was an eye-opener on the ground realities in our state. Though hyped in movies and other media as an occurrence, the overall picture of the sand market, the role of the Department of Mines and Geology and the lethargy of bureaucracy and government on this issue was unclear until now. Now it is clearer, thanks to you, DH.
It was chilling to know that it takes nine years for formation of an inch of sand in the riverbed and the market demand for sand is 70 million tonnes a year! There is no way any policy or law enforcement can do if this much of market exists in one state for a natural resource. There is an immediate need to convert the sand requirements into a legal industry to develop alternative technologies and equivalent product to meet the market demand, instead of 'mining'.
RERA could be relooked into to ensure the usage of 'mined sand' in all types of real estate projects is banned.
Change it, for our rivers to be alive.
Harish Shankaranarayana
Bengaluru
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I have been following the 'Insight' column from the past few weeks and I feel that it is really very informative, as it gives detailed information about important topics and happenings in society.
Illegal sand mining is taking a toll on and fishermen's lives as they have to look for alternative livelihood options. Even the fish diversity is declining because of this. It is a very heartbreaking news as this shows the negligence of the government towards stopping those illegal activities harming lives.
Afreena
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I feel that rapid and unregulated urbanisation has led to illegal mining. Uncontrolled increase in basic infrastructure requirement of humans has triggered a huge demand for sand, stones, steel and iron. Mafia has entered in a very big way to control these industries to make huge profits. Rightly said, this mafia is remotely controlled by elected representatives and so indirect support for crime is open. Natural resources take years to flourish and can withstand natural calamities but destruction can lead to irrevocable damage and the latest examples are Kodagu and Kerala scenarios.
As rightly promoted, alternative technologies and methods in infrastructure construction should minimise dependence on natural sand. But who will bell the cat to destroy the mafia? We have to fight for our own survival.
Srihari
READ
"Insight" is a good initiative by DH and putting the story on front page helps attract our attention to the important topics that are relevant. The information provided is comprehensive and gives different perspectives on the issue. Particularly, this week's coverage of sand mining was very informative. Looking forward to reading more such in-depth coverage.
Santhosh, Mandya
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Illegal sand lifting is going on in Vrishabhavathi river(drain) in Rajarajeshwarinagar, Bengaluru, causing extensive damage to the river bed. This is causing heavy flooding in the area during rains. The drain water, due to bed damage, is seeping into groundwater sources contaminating borewells in the area. Complaints have been made to police and BBMP but no action taken so far.
G Rajan
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India is yet to adopt modern methods of deliverance. It should be made mandatory to supply mixed cement and sand proportions from companies to construction sites. This will maintain the strength, integrity of the materials. Ban sand trucks and use railways instead. This makes monitoring easy and eases traffic also. There are various ways to stop the practice.
Raj Muthya
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Bold and fantastic article. We acknowledge your courrage in publishing such daring article. Keep up. We, all citizens of Karnataka, are with you.
Sheel Mirji