Over a month after Daijiworld media highlighted the rampant illegal sand mining devouring half of Pavoor-Uliya Island, the investigative committee has yet to submit its report to the district administration. Despite a directive to deliver findings within a week, the committee, led by Mangaluru Sub-Divisional Magistrate Harshavardhan S J and comprising police officials and seven members, remains silent.
Following persistent media coverage and public awareness efforts, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan ordered the investigation. However, the delay in receiving the report has raised suspicions among residents about possible collusion between the sand mafia and the Mining and Geology Department.
Pavoor-Uliya Island, surrounded by the Netravati River near Adyar, has lost significant land due to illegal sand mining. Residents, reliant on boat travel to the mainland during the rainy season, have seen the 80-acre island reduced to 40 acres. This prompted a major protest, leading to the district administration’s investigation order.
Deputy Commissioner Muhilan, concerned about potential monsoon-related disasters, appointed Sub-Divisional Magistrate Harshavardhan S J to lead the investigative committee on June 28, with instructions to submit a report within a week. Over a month later, the report is still pending.
Despite heightened protests, illegal sand mining continues, particularly through night-time dredging operations. Locals express frustration over the ongoing mining and the delayed report, questioning the efficacy of the investigation and the potential complicity of officials. Residents are demanding swift action and transparency from the district administration.