Silvester D'Souza 

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Nov 7: Residents of Upladi, part of the Waddarse Grama Panchayat and Saligrama Town Panchayat areas, have intensified their protests against illegal sand mining in the region.

On Wednesday, November 6, villagers confronted Mines Department and local administration officials, expressing strong opposition to the ongoing environmental damage.

For several days, locals have raised concerns over the impact of illegal mining on the environment and community well-being. In response, Mines Department officials, led by Sandhya, visited the area to inspect the situation. Tensions escalated as a heated exchange took place between the villagers and officials.

"We will not tolerate illegal mining that destroys our environment and causes problems for our village," a villager declared, emphasising their commitment to protecting the area.

Authorities quickly intervened, assuring residents that mining would be halted until further notice. A survey of the Chitrapadi region, located within the Saligrama Town Panchayat limits, will be conducted before any further action is taken.

Petition to stop mining

In parallel, Upladi residents have submitted a formal petition to Ajay Bhandarkar, the chief officer of Saligrama Town Panchayat, urging a permanent ban on sand mining in the Chitrapadi area.

The petition is supported by local leaders, including Vinayak Bhat, Ashok Shetty, and Waddarse Grama Panchayat President Lokesh Kanchan, alongside local police officials.

Determined to protect their environment, the villagers continue their fight against illegal sand mining in the region.