Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Dec 11: "Everybody who has applied for permits to remove sand mounds should start extracting sand by December 17 and distribute it among people. Otherwise their permits will be cancelled,” said deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis. She was speaking in a meeting of 45 people who have applied for permits to remove sand mounds at Rajatadri DC’s office on Tuesday, December 11.

“Problem of sand has become acute in the district and people are not getting sand for construction. Eleven people among 45 who applied for permits are granted permission to remove sand from the mounds. Twenty-six people have paid fee. Eight people are yet to pay. All the 45 people should provide necessary documents and start sand mining by December 17 without excuses and distribute sand to local people,” she said.

“Everybody who requested for permits, have been permitted to extract sand, at the spot asked by them. But sand is still not being extracted. The district administration will cooperate with them if the problems are brought to notice,” she added.

She heard the problems of permit holders regarding GPS and scarcity of space to construct deck and said that deck construction will be allowed on government land near the place where sand will be extracted. “A GPS installed on one boat will be allowed to be installed on another boat after extracting sand. Take the help of police department if anybody prevents sand mining,” she said.

The permit holders requested to stop illegal sand mining at Manipur bridge, Udyavar and Kurkalu. SP Laxman Nimbaragi said that suitable action will be taken against them and asked to inform him if there are problems while sand mining.

Kundapur sub division officer Bhoobalan and Mining and Geology officer Padmaja Niranjan were present.