Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Dec 19: Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis speaking to media on Wednesday, December 19, said that sand mining permit holders who do not start sand mining will lose their permits.

“Among 45 people who are qualified, 33 people have paid royalty and received permits. December 17 was the last day for them to start extracting sand. Therefore, the permits of those who did not start the work will be cancelled. We will start issuing show cause notices to them from today itself. They are giving excuses asking for permission to extract sand elsewhere. If at all they do not extract sand, their permits will be cancelled permanently.”

“The 16,000 tonne sand already decided should be extracted within stipulated date. As the time passes by, inspection will start. A team will start inspection from tomorrow, Thursday. As non-CRZ and CRZ are coming together, there are some problems. The permit holders are giving reason that they did not get the deck. No amount is fixed for CRZ. We are purchasing 10% sand from all permit holders through Nirmithi centres. A stock yard is identified in Nejar to store sand. We are paying Rs 6,500 for three units’ sand.

“We have identified five sand mounds at Uppooru-Shivalli, Haradi Uppooru-Mooduthonse at five places in Swarna river, Udupi taluk,” she said.

People who were struggling without sand for the last several months are relived a little.