Udupi: Villagers of Nagaramata in Brahmavar taluk submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK raising serious concerns over sand mining in River Sita, stating that the activity has caused soil erosion and damage to agricultural land across hundreds of acres. The representation was made on Friday, with residents urging the district administration to intervene and reassess the mining operations.
According to the memorandum, continued sand extraction has altered the river’s course and width, leading to increased vulnerability of nearby farmlands and creating anxiety among farmers about long-term land loss and livelihood risks.
Farmers report large-scale soil erosion
In their submission, the villagers said sand mining activity along the river stretch has resulted in erosion affecting multiple agricultural fields. They claimed that fertile land cultivated for years is now at risk due to changing river behaviour and unstable banks.
Residents warned that if mining continues at the current pace, the extent of damage could increase in the coming seasons. They stressed that agriculture is the primary source of income for many families in the area and any loss of cultivable land would directly affect livelihoods.
They also stated that repeated representations had been made earlier to concerned departments, but the issue persists.
River width said to have increased sharply
The memorandum noted a significant change in the width of River Sita over time. According to local elders quoted by the villagers, the river was around 60 feet wide in earlier years but has now expanded to nearly 160 feet in certain stretches.
They alleged that nearly 100 feet of the present river width was previously agricultural land that has since been eaten away due to bank erosion and course changes.
Villagers attributed this shift to what they described as unscientific and excessive sand mining practices. They said removal of sand from critical points weakens the riverbed and banks, increasing the likelihood of lateral expansion and land collapse.
Concerns over groundwater and salinity
Apart from land erosion, residents expressed concern about possible long-term environmental impacts. They warned that sand mining near the dam area in Nagaramata could lead to a drop in groundwater levels and a rise in water salinity.
They said many households and farmers depend on groundwater and river-linked sources for irrigation of vegetables and other crops. Any change in water quality or availability would have a direct impact on cultivation patterns and yields.
The villagers also pointed out that a section of the local population depends on the river for fishing. Changes in river depth, flow and ecology could affect fish availability and thereby impact those dependent on fishing as a livelihood.
Demand for scientific study and review
In their memorandum, the residents urged the district administration to order a proper scientific and geological study to determine whether the area is suitable for sand mining at all. They said decisions should be based on updated field assessments rather than older reports.
They further alleged that sand mining permission had been granted earlier based on reports containing factual errors. Because of this, they claimed, the ground reality may not have been accurately reflected in official evaluations.
The villagers requested a fresh inspection by qualified experts and a review of existing permissions if environmental and agricultural risks are confirmed.
DC assures technical inspection
Responding to the delegation, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK assured the villagers that the matter would be examined. She said a senior geologist from the Department of Mines and Geology would be deputed to Nagaramata to conduct a field study and submit a report.
She also assured residents that their concerns would be taken seriously and that no injustice would be done to them. Based on the technical findings, further administrative decisions are expected.
Officials indicated that such inspections typically examine river morphology, bank stability, groundwater linkage and compliance with mining norms before recommending continuation, modification or suspension of activity.
Issue highlights balance between resources and ecology
The complaint from Nagaramata villagers highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing construction resource needs with environmental protection and rural livelihoods. Sand is a critical material for infrastructure, but unregulated or poorly monitored mining can lead to erosion, habitat damage and water stress.
Local residents said they are not opposed to development but want safeguards to ensure that natural resources are not extracted at the cost of farmland and water security.
Further action is expected after the geological inspection and departmental review are completed.