From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 23: A proposal to invoke the provisions of the Goonda Act to book cases against all those indulged in illegal extraction and transportation of sand in the State is under the active consideration of the State Government.
Karnataka’s Public Works Ministter H C Mahadevappa gave this information in the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday in reply to the Opposition’s charge that illegal sand extraction was rampant in the State.
The minister said the government was also planning to book cases under the Goonda Act all those involved in illegal extraction and transportation of sand.
A few months ago, the Government has decided to issue special security paper permits (SSPP) for transportation of sand by trucks to check illegal transportation.
"We don’t entertain illegal activities. We will book cases under the Goonda Act," he said and dismissed a charge that his son was encouraging illegal sand mining in Mysore.
The Minister said the Government would not tolerate illegal extraction of sand by the "sand mafia" in different parts of the State.
The sand mafia has been extracting the sand without any permission from the Government.
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition JagadishShettar, R Ashok (BJP) Janata Dal (S) floor leader H D Kumaraswamy, G T Patil (Congress) and several other members debated the issue of illegal sand extraction and alleged that rampant extraction and transportation of sand led to destruction of water bodies and depletion of groundwater.
Shettar said the illegal filter sand manufacturing was rampant in Anekal, Yadgir, Dharwad and other parts of the State. The sand mafia was larger than the real estate mafia, he alleged.