Mangaluru
Elected representatives have demanded a ban on sand extraction near Pavoor-Uliya, a small island 12km from Mangaluru, where 52 families reside.
At a Karnataka Development Programme meeting chaired by district Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, MLC Ivan D’Souza raised concerns about unauthorized sand extraction causing fear and uncertainty among island residents. He noted ongoing efforts by families to protect their homes.
MLA D Vedavyas Kamath emphasized halting illegal sand extraction near the island, citing its illegality in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) and urged the district administration to ensure sand availability for construction.
Minister Dinesh acknowledged a complaint from a delegation implicating individuals in illegal sand extraction near the island, expressing concern over potential land shrinkage. He directed officials from mines and geology and police departments to investigate and curb such activities.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP confirmed adequate sand stock from non-CRZ sources. The Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority (KSCZMA) cleared removal of eight sand blocks under NGT’s 2017 order and Supreme Court guidelines.
Meanwhile, the ecology and environment secretary directed Dakshina Kannada’s mines and geology department to await central government directives on sand extraction guidelines.
