In a decisive move to curb illegal sand extraction and transportation, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, who also chairs the District Sand Committee, has issued a circular establishing dedicated panels of officials to monitor and combat illegal sand mining in the district. The DC identified five key regions where illegal sand extraction is rampant and appointed nodal officers to oversee operations in these areas.
The regions flagged for scrutiny include Muloor to Gurpura Bridge, Doninje, Kelagina Kere, Phalguni River banks, Mallur, and Malavoor, where the Public Works Department (PWD) Executive Engineer will serve as the nodal officer. For illegal extraction from Gurpura Bridge to Adyapadi, the Minor Irrigation Executive Engineer has been tasked with overseeing operations. A senior geologist from the Mines and Geology Department will monitor areas like Thumbe, Arkula, Farangipete, Valachil, Adyar, Kannur, and Padil, while Panambur ACP will handle issues in Kottara, Surathkal, Mukka, and Pavanje. Lastly, the Mangaluru Tahsildar and his team will oversee operations in Boloor, Jeppinamogaru, Kannur, Kuloor, and Sulthan Bathery.
To effectively tackle illegal sand mining, the DC has directed that teams of five officials work in shifts to ensure constant vigilance. Local police stations have been instructed to file cases against individuals involved in illegal activities, including the extraction, storage, and transportation of sand, with immediate seizures of illegally stored sand. Additionally, anyone found constructing docks or river access roads for illegal mining will be reported to the revenue and mines and geology departments, facing prosecution under the Karnataka Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Nodal officers have also been tasked with inspecting sand stockyards within their jurisdiction to ensure that sand quantities match bills issued by authorized leaseholders. Any discrepancies or undocumented sand will be considered illegal and reported for enforcement action.
The DC emphasized that weekly compliance reports detailing actions taken against illegal sand activities should be submitted to his office. He also warned that any negligence in duty by officials would lead to disciplinary proceedings.
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