Sand mining permits to be cancelled if work delayed: DC

Udupi: “All who have applied for permits to remove sand mounds should start extracting sand by December 17 and distribute it among people failing which, their permits will be cancelled,” said Udupi deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, speaking at a meeting of 45 people who have applied for permits at Rajatadri DC’s office on Tuesday, December 11.

“The district has an acute sand problem and people are not getting sand for construction. Eleven people among 45 who applied for permits have been granted permission to remove sand from the sand blocks. Twenty-six people have paid the fee. Eight people are yet to pay. All the 45 people should provide necessary documents and start sand mining by December 17 without excuses and distribute sand to the public,” she warned.

“Everybody who requested for permits, have been permitted to extract sand, at the spot asked by them. But sand is still not being extracted. The district administration will cooperate with them if the problems are brought to notice,” informed the DC.

GPS installation

During the meeting, the DC heard the problems of permit holders regarding GPS and scarcity of space to construct deck and said that deck construction will be allowed on government land near the place where sand will be extracted.

“A GPS installed on one boat will be allowed to be installed on another boat after extracting sand. Take the help of police department if anybody prevents sand mining,” she advised.

Illegal sand mining

At the meeting, permit holders to stop illegal sand mining at Manipur bridge, Udyavar and Kurkalu. SP Laxman Nimbaragi who also participated in the meeting assured that suitable action will be taken against them and asked to inform him if there are problems while sand mining.