CH NEWS, RAICHUR
Illegal sand mining and transportation allegedly continue unabated across Devadurga taluk in district, raising questions over the effectiveness of enforcement agencies. The alleged lack of coordination among the departments concerned is said to have allowed the illegal trade to flourish. Residents of Konachappali, Medaragol, Kurkihalli, Koppar, Googul, Lingadahalli, Navilugudda, Herundi, Bhagur, Jolahedagi, Huvinahedagi, Gopalapur and Nagargund, besides villages along the Krishna riverbank, have complained of deteriorating roads. The road connecting Devadurga with Shahapur has also reportedly been affected.
Vehicles designed to carry around 20 to 25 tonnes are allegedly being loaded with 35 to 40 tonnes of sand. With the total weight of the vehicles and their loads reportedly reaching 50 to 60 tonnes, roads have developed potholes and damaged stretches at several locations. The vehicles allegedly transport sand through Devadurga town to Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Bidar and other districts.The heavy movement of sand vehicles has also turned Devadurga town dusty. Sand reportedly spills onto roads, creating problems for commuters and residents. Municipal workers are frequently required to clear the sand from the roads.
Devadurga reportedly has one of the highest levels of alleged illegal sand activity in the district. Residents have raised serious allegations about the possible involvement or protection of some enforcement personnel. According to available departmental information, around 28,863 metric tonnes of sand were seized from nearly 40 blocks along the riverbanks in the taluk over the past year.As per rules, seized sand is to be disposed of through a tender process and supplied for local government works. However, allegations have surfaced that some seized sand was allegedly removed or disposed of at night.
Officials of the Department of Mines and Geology have reportedly stated that no royalty has been paid on the illegally transported sand. Residents of Kurkihalli and Nagargund have alleged that police personnel are seen in riverbank villages at night in connection with the illegal sand trade.
