Karkala: The Departments of Revenue, Forest, Mines and Geology in a joint operation seized assets including machineries worth several lakhs that were allegedly being used in mining quartz stones for several years in the deemed forest at Ayyappa Nagar in Kukkundooru.
As the news broke, several bigwigs are said to have assembled at the spot to pressurize the officers on duty to raid, to ensure that they are not exposed. It is learnt that the appeal to renew mining license was earlier turned down as it is a deemed forest.
However, not adhering to the guidelines, the miners are said to have continued mining.
The mining at Ayyappa Nagar is said to be one of the most expensive mining areas as mining of quartz stones is involved in it.
These stones are mainly used in the construction of temples and luxury buildings.
