No shortage of sand in DK say Mines and Geology officials

No shortage of sand in DK say Mines and Geology officials

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 15, 2017: Mines and geology department deputy director Sumithra stated in a release that temporary permits have been issued to 41 contractors, who are engaged in manual sand extraction process in the district. "We have invited applications from traditional contractors to extract sand manually from 20 identified sand bars in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) of the district. In the first phase, we have issued temporary license to 41 contractors to extract sand manually. Hence, there is no shortage of sand in the district," she said. Civil contractors, builders and transporters are expressing concern over shortage of sand in Dakshina Kannada district, the department of mines and geology clarifies that supply has not been affected.

The department had given time till September 24 for contractors, who are engaged in manual sand extraction, to submit documents to prove their experience in manual sand extraction. The process of issuing license to contractors, who have more than two years of experience in manual sand extraction, is in scrutiny stage. The process will be completed soon and more licenses will be issued, the officer said.

Meanwhile, the department will also take initiatives to identify communities that extract sand traditionally in Non-CRZs in the district. Permits will be issued to such traditional communities to extract sand from Non-CRZs as per a circular issued by the director of mines and geology department on September 6, 2017, she added.

It may recalled that Civil Contractors Association, Mangalore and other organisations have been expressing concern over shortage and lack of availability of sand in the district.