Permit for sand extraction may be delayed

Udupi: Leaders promising to permit sand extraction from August 1 onward may not become a reality as the ban on extraction of sand from sand blocks located in coastal regulatory zones (CRZ) is in effect till September.

MLA K Raghupati Bhat had pleaded with the chief minister B S Yediyurappa, on Tuesday, July 30, to lift the ban on sand extraction and permit sand extraction from August 1 onward, when fishing activity resumes. Bhat had also discussed the matter with CRZ secretary Vijayakumar.

Meanwhile Udupi Deputy Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati has informed that sand is not being extracted at present, and so far the administration has not received any directions in this concern. The DC also added that the meteorological department has predicted rainfall to continue for a minimum of ten days at an average of 10 cm.

Order signed

MLA Bhat has claimed that the chief minister has already signed an order to allow sand extraction in CRZ limits from August 1, and that it takes time to complete formalities and the order to be routed through the secretary of the department. He expected the order to be received by the district administration in a couple of days.