Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 7: Minister for mines and geology C C Patil visited the city on Thursday January 7 and held a review meeting with district officials.
Addressing the media, Patil said that as many as 250 applications were received with regard to red stone mining in 'patta' land.
"The 250 applications which were received will be scrutinized and the documents verified before giving permission for red stone quarry. I have also instructed the deputy commissioner and the police commissioner to take strict action against illegal red stone mining on government land. Stringent action will also be taken against those involved in illegal transportation of red stone to other states," he warned.
"Stringent action will be taken under law if anyone is found transporting red bauxite. We will also install 196 CCTV cameras across borders in the district to keep an eye on illegal transportation of red stone," he added.
"We will also take measures to implement sand policy effectively as there are several challenges being posed with regard to sand issue. Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioners will be invited to Bengaluru to discuss the implementation of sand policy. As many as 104 were issued permission to engage in traditional sand mining prior to 2011. There is a demand to increase the number a bit, for which steps will be taken under the deputy commissioner's guidance. The roads near mine areas that are damaged will be repaired under a committee headed by the district in-charge minister," he said.
When asked about illegal transportation of red stone and bauxite that is rampant in district, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "We should notice during whose tenure the illegal transportation was taking place. Now the government and the system have changed, we have called for strict action against those who transport red stone illegally. There are instances where vehicles have been seized and action taken. Earlier sand mafia was rampant, but now it has come under control. When I announced provision of sand for Rs 2000 per unit, I got trolled, but now it is in under process."
Deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra, Udupi deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha, police commissioner N Shashikumar and others were present.