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Illegal sand mining persists in Udupi district

Government incurring loss worth crores of rupees

Kota: Illegal mining is being undertaken at various locations in the rural areas of the unchallenged and consequently the government is incurring losses worth crores of rupees.

This business is occurring at various locations within the limits of Molehalli village in Kundapur taluk coming under the Kota police limits.  Even after multiple raids, illegal mining persists here.

Only two days back a raid was conducted and 10 boats, 1 lorry, 2 cars and several persons were taken into judicial custody under the leadership of the new superintendent of the district NIsha James.

Persisting illegal business

From many years, illegal sand mining has been occurring at various locations within the limits of Molehalli and since 2017, more than 10 raids have been conducted here. In many instances, the accused were successful in giving police the slip and hence only the equipment and the sand were seized. A few do the accused are facing more than three separate cases with Kota police station limits.

In order to prevent illegal sand mining, police and mines department check post were erected at Keilkeri and Marattur divisions, but the situation did not improve.

Complaint from the station

Hardalli-Mandalli, Hombadi-Mundadi and other villages are located at a distance of more than 30 kms from Kota police station and it is difficult to reach these locations. Hence, it will take at least 45 minutes for the police to reach the location after receiving the information post before which, the accused make good their escape. Hence any number of raids is not stopping the business, opinion the public.

The lack of sand in the district is playing to the benefit of the criminals who are selling the illegally mined 3 unit sand for an exorbitant amount of Rs 15- 20,000 and simultaneously inflicting corers worth of loss on the government.

“An integrated functioning amongst the police, mines and RTO departments is required to stop illegal sand mining. If the local police fail to put an end to illegal sand mining and if there are more complaints regarding illegal sand mining, a proper district level team will be appointed,” informed Nisha James, SP