Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 4: Because of the sand workers on the bank of Farangipet Innoli rivulet, the riverbank is becoming polluted. This has also been impeding the enthusiasm of those who want to pick seashells. The locals point out that this is against the vision for a clean India.

After a confusion lasting several months, the issue of sand shortage was settled. Like last year, this year too sand extraction has started from Farangipet Inoli rivulet bank. Hundreds of workers from other states are engaged in this work. They have pitched tents there and are staying there. As there is no arrangements for their daily ablutions, they resort to open defecation. They do this on the riverbank. As a result, the faeces and urine have polluted River Netravati.

Representational image

Now is the season of sea shells. Many people come here from far off places for this activity. But they get disheartened at the sand extraction that is in full flow, and the nauseating and stinky riverbank. A drinking water dam is being built at Harekala, and if this situation continues, the people may have to drink the water contaminated by the human discharges. The open defecation also harms the aqua animals and the environment.

It is clear that workers from other states are polluting the river. The department of mines issues licences for sand extraction. There is lot of lobbying as the activity is profitable. In such a scenario, who has to own the responsibility of making proper arrangement for the workers? Why the government or district administration cannot issue directions to the sand contractors who remove sand, to keep the area clean, the people wonder.

Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra K V, said he will ask labour department officials to study the conditions under which the workers engaged for sand extraction are functioning and what facilities are provided to them.