Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 12: Locals are raising concerns about illegal sand extraction at Bengre, on the outskirts of the city.

Six acres of land near the Thotabengre Hindu crematorium has been transferred from the ports department to the fisheries department for the construction of a jetty. However, residents claim that for the past three to four months, strangers have been illegally excavating sand from the remaining area at night using JCBs and tippers.

The locals report that this unauthorised excavation has created dangerous pits, five to six feet deep, in what was previously level ground. They have verbally complained to the mines and geology department as well as the CRZ department.

A senior geologist from the mines department stated, “It is difficult for us to immediately visit the site and take action on verbal complaints, as we are occupied with other work. If a written complaint is submitted, we will inspect the area and take suitable action.”