Mangaluru— The long-standing issue surrounding red brick (red stone) extraction in Dakshina Kannada may soon see a resolution. Following an assurance from the district in-charge minister, the Dakshina Kannada District Red Brick Owners’ Association has decided to defer its proposed protest, originally scheduled for July 3. However, the association has warned that if their concerns are not addressed within a week, they will launch a large-scale agitation.
On Wednesday, a key meeting was held with the District Collector to discuss the simplification of the permit system for extracting red bricks across the district.
Speaking at a press conference, Association President Sathish Acharya stated that the protest was postponed as a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Mines has been promised in Bengaluru within the next week to work out a feasible solution.
Acharya pointed out that mura soil (commonly used in brickmaking) from several coastal areas was found to lack mineral content after undergoing ILMS testing. Hence, he urged the authorities to scrap soil testing for such areas.
He further demanded that the current tax of ₹282 per ton under the 3A permit be slashed to ₹32 per ton, aligning with tax rates in neighbouring Kerala. Additionally, he called for permit validity to be extended from 6 months to 2 years, arguing that red brick extraction is not mining, as it does not involve the removal of any minerals.