Villagers Oppose Illegal Sale Of Lake Silt

KOPPAL

The Kunikeri Village Civic Forum and Karnataka Raitha Sangha (AIUKS)  voiced strong opposition to the extraction of silt from local lakes. A protest was held outside the Deputy Commissioner's office, where villagers raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of their lakes due to unauthorised silt removal. The protesters pointed out that the silt from both the big lake and small lake possesses high fertility value and is sought after by farmers. They reported that brick kiln operators were unlawfully excavating the lake beds for their manufacturing operations. Local inhabitants expressed their disapproval of the unauthorised silt removal, stressing its significance for agricultural purposes. They demanded a complete halt to silt extraction from both lakes and called for restrictions on brick kiln operators' access to these resources.

The protesters demanded the cancellation of brick kiln licences and sought restrictions on the removal of nutrient-rich soil from the lakes. They also reported that unauthorised brick kiln operators felled between 40 and 45 trees near the lake shores. The villagers cited a Kunikeri gram panchayat general meeting resolution that prohibited the transportation of lake soil to other locations. Based on this, they requested authorities to stop issuing any related permits. The demonstration saw participation of Allama Prabhu Bettadur, DH Pujar, KB Gonal, Galeppa Mungoli, Basavaraj Naregal, Mudukappa Hosamani, alongside village seniors, young people, and women.