12 blocks sand mining: Tender process ends

Udupi: The geologists of mines and geology department said that the tender processes pertaining to six tenders each for sand extraction invited in second and third phases have been completed and currently, the documents submitted by the contractors is under scrutiny.

Out of the seven sand blocks put up for mining after receiving  approval from the secretary in the department of forest, environment and ecology 1,75,26,061 metric tonnes of sand is available for extraction. It is learnt that since there are objections regarding two sand blocks identified in River Sita, permission has been given to 45 persons to extract 1,69,10,524 tonnes of sand from the remaining five sand blocks.

The availability of 13,36,49,045 metric tonnes of sand at rivers  located within the limits of Kaup and Brahmavar taluks has been reported by National Institute of Technology (NITK) Suratkal, which conducted bathymetric survey in the rivers. on January 8, a proposal for permission to remove this sand along with recommendation of Coastal Region Management Authority had been sent. On receiving the permission, it will be placed before a committee of seven members and further actions will be taken as per requirement, stated the department.

Under the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, permission has been obtained for the blocks with area less than five hectares. In such a case, once environmental clearance is received, mining can be initiated as there is no need draw up environment management schemes for the government has permitted sand extraction in such cases. Seven sand blocks have been set aside for government works, informed the department.

Tenders were floated on tender-cum-auction basis as per the rules. 96 persons took part in 11 sand blocks out of which 57 failed to submit income tax returns pertaining three previous years. The government had been approached on December 28 seeking to relax certain conditions, said the officials.

Indefinite day and night stir

Meanwhile, the sand action committee has announced that an indefinite day and night stir will begin opposite the office of the deputy commissioner, seeking to give lease for sand extraction to all the traditional license holders, beginning at 10 am on January 28. The stir will be held under the leadership of all party and all organizations.