Citizens irked over illegal sand-smuggling in Arasikere

Arsikere: Citizens of  Arsikere taluk expressed anger over the illegal sand mining activity which has been going on unabatedly for several years.

While several districts in Karnataka have witnessed flood-situation due to heavy rains, nearly 150 lakes in Arasikere taluk are already empty.

The locals alleged that anyone who questioned the smuggling were assaulted and that the police is not taking legal action against them.

The citizens feared that if the situation continues, the chances of water collection in the lakes will be less.

The government has also provided housing for poor under various schemes including Basava Kalyana, Indira Nivas, etc.

It is learned that some people are not providing the required sand for the projects and smuggling them somewhere else to sell at a higher price instead. As a result, the poor have to pay from their pocket to purchase sand in order to build the house.