Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Oct 27: By way of clarification to various issues raised by people who have been holding protest demanding liberal permission to extract sand from different sand blocks in the district, deputy commissioner (DC), Priyanka Mary Francis, gave clarification as follows on Friday October 26.
"The process of identifying sand blocks in Swarna and Papanashini rivers by conducting bathymetric survey with the help of National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) is currently on. NITK is expected to provide final report in a couple of days. The primary purpose of removing sand blocks in rivers is to save the lives of the people, not to undertake sand trade. In case of traditional methods of sand extraction, if the concerned have official permission and documents, we will examine them and give approval," she stated.
The DC stated that the list of 68 eligible sand extractors already released is not final. "As per the order of the government if the sand contractors who were extracting sand before 2012 with licences, can submit applications accompanied by documents. In such a case, we will release revised list. So far, only three to four applications have been received, and if there is a need, last date for filing applications will be extended," she explained.
The sand action committee had questioned the DC about the formation of committee headed by assistant commissioner on this issue. The DC said that to understand the current state of affairs and to fulfil the need for the district administration to submit proposals, 30 out of 47 applications filed by fishermen to identify blocks were finalized to prepare a report. To scrutinize this list, a committee has been formed. During August, the administration could not identify sand blocks as there were floods in Uppoor and Kundapur. "In some places, fishermen objected to it, saying that fishing activity would be hampered. Moreover, if there is an application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), we will get an idea what can be done, based on this committee's report. This problem will not arise next year," she stated.
She said that out of sand blocks identified by three departments jointly, applications were not received in 14 ecologically sensitive areas, four deep areas and two spots where litigations are on. In respect of removal of sand from coastal regulatory zone areas, the issue is under the consideration of the court. Therefore, we need to be very careful before taking any decision, she explained.
When questioned by the media as to whether she is facing political pressure on the matter of issuing sand licences, she said she is facing legal hurdles. She stated that at present about 16,500 metric tonnes of sand is available. "Because of heavy rain, large quantify of sand would have got accumulated. In such places, threats of flood loom large. In such cases, we will take up with the government to simplify restrictions applicable to issue of permits to remove sand in CRZ areas," the DC said.
She explained that in objections filed with the NGT, petitioners had spoken about problems with GPS, illegal sand mining etc. In 2017, they said that businessmen were given licence. "I have to take decision as per the government order. I cannot predict or guess now what will be the order," Priyanka Mary Francis stated.
Condemning the accusations being levelled against the district administration, she said if such allegations are continued to be made, the administration will have to take up the options before it. She said that issues like workers involved with sand mining being citizens of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, how many workers from the district are involved with it are also of essence. She clarified that the ecologically sensitive region list released recently by the state department of environment has posed several problems.
She said that if she receives any application addressed to the government seeking compensation to the family of Muhammed Haneef who died after taking part in the sand protest, it will be sent to the state government, and that if the family is poor, it might get compensation.