Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Aug 17: District in-charge minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, said that arrangements have been made to see that traditional sand extraction begins in sand deposits located in coastal regulatory zones (CRZ) by the end of this month.

"Once this activity begins, shortage of sand will be a thing of the past. At the same time, it has been decided to give the responsibility of ensuring that sand is not illegally transported to neighbouring districts, to several departments including mines and geology, police, revenue, and PWD, he clarified. The minister was addressing a press conference at Manipal on Wednesday August 16.

The minster stated that a total of 133 permits would be issued for extraction of sand in the district. Split up figures of the permits are, 26 in Udupi, 84 in Brahmavar, 18 in Kundapur and five in Byndoor zone. "There is room for filing of applications even now. Tata 407 and tippers can be used to transport sand. Transportation by using big trucks has been restricted as there is risk of such vehicles being used to carry sand to neighbouring districts," he added.

Madhwaraj said that the sub-committee of the assembly will take a decision on sand mining in non-CRZ zones shortly. About JNNURM buses run by KSRTC, he said that the fleet of these buses will be further strengthened, without wilting under pressure being brought by private lobbying.

28 sand deposits in CRZ that have been hindering movement of fishries boats have been identified and Coastal Management Authority has permitted to remove sand from these deposits by employing physical labour. Hence, those engaged in traditional sand extraction can apply for the same. Officials of mines and geology department said in a release that the concerned should collect proforma of application from the office of the senior geologist in the department located in the office of the deputy commissioner before August 27.

Deputy commissioner of the district, Priyanka Mary Francis, was present.