Illegal sand mining reported near Bengre, Locals raise concerns

Mangaluru: Locals have reported illegal sand mining activities on the outskirts of the city near Bengre.

The area in question is a 6-acre plot near the Tota Bengre Hindu cremation ground, which was transferred from the Fisheries Department to the Port Department for the construction of a jetty.

The rest of the land has been undisturbed, with sand lying there for many years, and removal of the sand is prohibited.

However, locals allege that over the past few months, certain individuals have been illegally transporting sand from the area.

They claim that JCBs and tippers are being used at night to remove the sand, which has resulted in large five- to six-foot-deep pits in what was once level ground, creating hazardous conditions.

Residents have voiced their concerns to the Department of Mines and Geology and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authorities, but so far only verbal complaints have been made.

A senior geologist from the Department of Mines has stated that while immediate action based on verbal complaints is challenging, formal written complaints will be investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken.

Locals remain worried about the potential risks posed by the deep pits left behind by the illegal sand mining.