Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 28: Deputy commissioner (DC) of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr K V Rajendra, warned that when extracting sand blocks in the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ), the work should be got done through manual labour. He said that it it comes to the government's notice that machinery was used for this purpose, the licenses issued to the concerned would be cancelled and the concerned will face legal action.

He was speaking at the meeting of the task force committee on mining held here on Friday November 27. He said that sand should not be stored anywhere other than the dock. "We have received maximum complaints about illegal sand transportation from Iruvail and Athikaribettu areas. The government officials who fail to act will be proceeded against suitably," he stated.

"To ensure that sand is provided to the people, as well as for works of the government and others, the price of sand has been fixed at Rs 5,000 per load. For transporting sand within a radius of 20 km from the sand dock, a price of Rs 2,000 can be by way of transport charges can be recovered. Beyond this limit, for every load of sand, transportation charge of Rs 50 per km can be collected additionally. The general public can get sand through the sand bazar app," he explained.

CCTV mandatory

He said that sand can be sold for local consumption within the district limits. "Higher prices cannot be fixed. Twenty percent of sand should be provided for government works at government rates. It is mandatory to fix CCTV cameras in the sand docks, and its link should be provided to the district administration," he told the licence holders.

The DC said that if the licence holders extract sand illegally or allow illegal transportation, their permits would be cancelled temporarily. Once sand is booked, it should be delivered to the customers within 48 hours. In case of violation of this norm or GPS rules are violated thrice, fine of Rs 25,000 would be imposed for the first instance, Rs 50,000 on the second occasion, and for the third violation, temporary permits will be cancelled, he explained.

GPS for transportation vehicles

The DC said that sand extraction and transportation is permitted only between 6 am and 6 pm. "If sand is transported beyond this limit, it will be considered as illegal sand transportation and legal steps will be initiated. Vehicles transporting sand should compulsorily be equipped with the GPS and it should be prominently mentioned in the front and back of the fact that these vehicles are meant for sand transportation, and the same should be recorded in the regional transport office. For clearing sand blocks, a maximum of three boats can be used. They should be registered in the ports and inland water transport department or fisheries department within seven days before fixing the GPS,” he explained.