Illegal extraction of sand, laterite stones won’t be allowed in Dakshina Kannada, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 1, 2025: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday that the government will not allow illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones in Dakshina Kannada. 

Chairing the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme Review Committee meeting, Mr. Rao said that those behind the illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones were found to be involved in communal incidents as well. 

It may be noted that the recent mob lynching and two murders have disturbed peace in the region. 

“We are taking firm action against those involved in the illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones. There is no going back on this decision. However, the government will work out ways to legally allow the extraction of sand and laterite stones,” he said.

The Lokayukta has registered two cases, including one suo motu case against 18 officials, in connection with illegal laterite stone extraction, he noted. 

Senior Geologist G.U. Sandeep said 27,500 tonnes of sand were available in the Department of Mines and Geology’s stockyard, and 10,911 metric tonnes of it were purchased in April and May. People can buy sand through the district administration’s Sand Bazar app, where three tonnes of sand cost approximately ₹12,000, he said.

From the 15 blocks in the non-CRZ area for which permission for sand extraction has been issued, an estimated 3.44 lakh metric tonnes of sand is available. Permission for the extraction of sand from an additional 18 blocks in a non-CRZ area, where an estimated 2.81 lakh metric tonnes of sand is available, will be issued shortly.  

In 2024-25, 74,650 metric tonnes of sand were sold, while 11,412 metric tonnes were sold between April 2025 and March 31. As much as 1.16 lakh metric tonnes of m-sand was used for various civil works in the district in 2024-25, while 27,034 metric tonnes of m-sand were used in the period between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

From 19 places in patta land for which permission for the extraction of laterite stones was issued, as much as 30,000 metric tonnes of laterite stones have been extracted. 

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said cases have been registered against all those involved in illegal extraction and transportation of sand and laterite stones. “If they continue with the illegal activity, then they will face serious legal repercussions,” Mr. Reddy said.  

Superintendent of Police K. Arun said laterite stones extracted in the district were being illegally transported to Maharashtra and Kerala. 

Moobidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja, MLCs Ivan D’souza, Manjunath Bhandary and Kishore Kumar Puttur said action against illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones has led to a shortage of supply of sand and stones for construction activities.