Udupi: In a decisive crackdown on illegal sand mining, Shirva police seized two tipper lorries and an excavator that were being used to illegally extract and transport sand from government land near the Papanashini stream at Garadi Mane in Shirva village, Kapu taluk.

The raid, carried out on Thursday, followed a tip-off received by the police regarding sand being illicitly mined and moved with the help of a Hitachi excavator.

Sand-laden vehicles confiscated

During the operation, police confiscated:

  • Two tipper lorries loaded with illegally mined sand

  • One excavator used for sand extraction

    • The seized vehicles were taken into custody, and a case was registered at the Shirva Police Station under relevant provisions of the law governing illegal sand mining and transportation.

    Operation under senior officers’ guidance

    The raid was carried out under the direct supervision of:

    • Hariram Shankar, IPS, Udupi District Superintendent of Police

  • Sudhakar S Naik, Additional SP

  • Dr Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, Karkala ASP

  • Jayashree Mane, Circle Inspector of Kapu

    • Their coordinated efforts ensured that the illegal activity was promptly curbed and evidence secured for further investigation.

    Sand mining concerns in coastal region

    Illegal sand mining continues to remain a serious concern in Udupi district, with operations often carried out at night or in remote areas. Such activities not only violate the law but also pose severe ecological risks, including:

    • Riverbank erosion

  • Disturbance of aquatic ecosystems

  • Damage to agricultural land and local infrastructure

    • The authorities have been stepping up surveillance and enforcement to tackle the problem, with regular raids conducted in identified hotspots.

    Conclusion

    KAPU: The swift action by Shirva police underscores the administration’s commitment to curbing illegal sand mining in the district. With continued vigilance and strict enforcement, officials hope to deter such activities that harm the environment and flout regulations.