Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Jun 1: People of Dakshina Kannada are suffering due to shortage of drinking water as the rivers and rivulets are dried up. However, the illegal sand miners are carrying out the excavation work at break neck speed and are emptying the bed of rivers.

Huge craters are formed on the bed of Harakere rivulet in Ilanthila village of Beltangady taluk, due to illegal sand mining. Locals say that, during monsoon cattle and people, who get down into the rivulet without the knowledge of these craters, will get drowned.

Labourers of North India origin are used for the excavation work. The sand is sieved on the spot and loaded onto the tippers illegally. The illegal sand mining goons are making rich profits without paying any tax to the government.

The deep excavation in the rivulet is done just 30 feet away from the main connecting bridge of the village. This will pose danger to the structure of bridge also. Tippers move on the narrow road of the village every now and then. These roads which are of mud are completely damaged and make inconvenient for villagers to walk during the rainy season.

The villagers accuse that the illegal sand miners are saying that they are henchmen of Beltangady MLA and doing the job with his knowledge.

Locals urge concerned officers to take action immediately.