10-wheel sand trucks, heavy machinery banned

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 8, 2015 :  Speaking to a meet of the  task force in regard to sand on April 7,  DK DC Adoor B Ibrahim said that the district administration will ban movement of 10-wheel sand trucks in DK district. 

He said the notification in this regard will be issued.  The district administration is set to place a ban following complaints from police officials of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan about transportation of sand in heavy trucks resulting in damage of roads.  At present, vehicles to Bengaluru move via Charmadi and Sampaje, as Mangaluru - Bengaluru Shiradi Ghat road closed for repair.

All the authorities empowered under the act including PSI, PDO and RI can seize the vehicles found violating the ban. In the name of  RMC - "ready mix concrete", sand is being transported illegally from southern parts of Netravati bank to Kerala.  DC directed ZP CEO and ULBs to collect information on RMC plants operating in the district.   A large number of ready mix cement plants are functioning in Mangalore City Corporation limits, Ullal and in gram panchayats situated on Kerala border.

The MCC, Dakshina Kannada ZP and Ullal town municipality should prepare a list of licensed ready mix plants in their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the task force led by assistant commissioner, tahildars, officials from mines and geology department, police and other officials should conduct raids and take action against such plants who operate without a license.

 CCTV :  DK DC also directed the officials from Mines and Geology to install CC cameras at Sampaje, Talapady, Surathkal and Charmadi check posts to check the movement of sand laden trucks. Additional staff from gram panchayat, revenue department and police department should be deployed to monitor. There is a need to stress on regulating the movement of sand. The DC said all trucks carrying sand should possess a note on the weight. The validity for the permits should be one day only.

The use of machinery including excavators, dredging machines and earth movers to extract sand should be stopped. There are complaints on use of dredging machines. He directed the Assistant Commissioner to seize the dredging machine and the district administration will bear the expenses incurred in getting the seized machine to the nearest government office premises. The seized sand should be handed over to the PWD and machine to the police

Sand is being extracted using excavators and earth movers, license is issued  to 168 contractors in the district to carry out sand mining. It is found that contractors are violating rules. A special drive is needed  to against illegal extraction of sand.  DC directed officials to ensure that license number is displayed on the boats to ensure clarity.

Mines and Geology Deputy Director Ramappa said that sand blocks in Bangra Kuloor, Jeppinamogaru and Adyar have been notified for public use. Thirty eight blocks have been identified in non CRZ area. On receiving  enviornment management plan and quarry plan,  empowered committee may clear for sand mining.  DC directed to identify three more areas for sand mining in Moodbidri and Bantwal for public use.

Mines and Geology Deputy Director said penalty of Rs 57,38,200 has been collected from illegal sand transportation during 2014-15. Royalty and fine of Rs 1,12,92,500 has been collected during the period. The total temporary permits issued is 222. A more stringent approach to mitigate the problems are needed.