Is preventing sand smuggling difficult? -Some facts

Is preventing sand smuggling difficult? -Some facts

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 18, 2014:  Is it practically feasible to prevent a vehicle from crossing interstate borders given the scenario around Karnataka.? There are countless roads and paths to cross the borders between Karnataka and Kerala for evaders of the law to use causing much loss to the states.  It is reported that sand and chicken are two items that are smuggled to Kerala,  rubber is taken in to  Karnataka and sent to North Indian or overseas  markets. The illegal incomes created by  inter-state smuggling create  tensions and other criminal activities in Kasargod district which causes uproar in Kerala regularly.

Sand mafia  :  Though the inter-state transportation of sand from Karnataka is banned with a temporary permit to Lakshadweep, the unsecured border makes it just a ban in name. The areas in and around Gwalimukha, a place close to Kerala border is the HQ sand smuggling. The sand collected from Nethravati River at B C Road and from Kumaradara River at Uppinangadi and Savanoor and stored at Gwalimukha, Karnoor and nearby areas of Kuthukuli.

The sand is being collected by availing permit from gram panchayats as it was declared for house construction. One permit is used for different lots. During darkness the stored sand will make its way to Kerala unhindered.

Ten tonnes of sand which costs Rs 3,000 in Karnataka is being sold in Kasargod, Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala at around  Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000.  In DK district alone over 700 cases of illegal sand transport are on record in 2013.

The sand smuggling mafia has roped in several unemployed youth in the area to give information about any movement of police or revenue officials. Agents are active in Nattakal, Mulleria, Aadhur areas to canvas sand customers and fix deals. The sand laden tipper lorries moving through the narrow roads of Bellur, Karadka, Badiyadka, Enmakajea, Manjeshwar, Meencha, Paivalike, Vorkady panchayats will have an escort vehicle in front and back to counter all raids from officials.

On June 29,Kasargod  ASP Dr J Himendranath who has been working against the sand smuggling, chased  a sand laden truck near Perla check post, the gang suddenly overturned the sand in front of a swiftly approaching ASP’s vehicle as a threat to him. The ASP escaped from the spot firing two rounds. The countless number of hidden  roads through Plantation Corporation’s cashew estate too come as a smugglers shield. The connivance with check post officials and police favour the mafia in the form of leaking information of raids and searches. “The terrain is such that it is impossible to be on alert round the clock. We are doing our best,” says Kumble Circle Inspector P K Suresh Babu. According to rule, a lorry can transport only 10 tonnes of sand in Karnataka but this has been grossly violated by carrying  even  20 or more tonnes. The over- loaded trucks damage the roads seriously here. 

The construction activity in Dakshina Kannada faces a severe shortage of sand, the authorities went on action to plug the loopholes. As many as 1,000 loads of sand and 40 odd vehicles were seized in a short span from across the border and other places. This caused a slump in the activity in Gwalimukha, say the  local people.  But it can resume soon once authorities retreat from the scene, is peoples opinion.  Kerala had set up a temporary police  post at Minchipadavu in Karaduka panchayat, but people say it is ineffective. A very strong and permanent  solution is vital to check this illegal activity for good.