On Friday, July 5, representatives of Samana Manaska Sanghatanegala Janti Vedike voiced their concerns to Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao regarding the dire situation of Pavoor-Uliya Kudru in the Netravati River. The Vedike highlighted rampant illegal sand extraction activities threatening the survival of 55 families residing in the area.
In their representation, the Vedike accused personnel from the Mines and Geology department of colluding with the sand mafia. They alleged that these officials provided misleading information to the district administration, claiming no sand extraction was occurring near the Kudru. Despite evidence suggesting ongoing extraction, which has significantly diminished the size of the Kudru, the department reported an erroneous increase in its area from 39 acres to 95 acres.
Furthermore, the Vedike alleged that department officials used boats belonging to the sand mafia during their inspections, compromising the integrity of their oversight.
Present at the meeting were Vedike leaders Muneer Katipalla and Sunil Kumar Bajal, along with office bearers of Mangalore Catholic Sabha Roy Castelino and Stanley Lobo, among others.
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured the Vedike of prompt action in addressing the issue. He emphasized the importance of protecting natural habitats and promised stringent measures against illegal activities jeopardizing ecological balance.