Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 8: In view of increasing number of illegal sand transportation and the adverse impact on environment and roads, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim along with the mines and geology department has issued orders to ban 10-wheeler trucks from transporting sand.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the DC's office here on Tuesday April 7. The DC also issued orders to install CCTV cameras at Talapady, Sampaje, Charmady, and Suratkal checkposts to keep an eye on illegal sand transportation.
Officials from mines and geology, transport, revenue and others departments were issued the orders and directed to comply.
The DC said, "Sand is being transported by 10-wheeler trucks which is damaging the roads. Moreover, the quantity of sand carried in these trucks is more than the permitted limits. As there is no provision to transport sand outside the district, 10-wheeler trucks are not required for the purpose. Hence we have decided to ban sand transportation by 10-wheeler trucks. The PDO, PSI and other officers concerned have been instructed to seize the trucks in case of violation and take suitable action."
He futher said that the permit issued to transport one load of sand is valid only for one day, but transporters are taking permits for 2-4 days and using them as they please. The officials should ensure that transporters stick to the permit and sand is transported only between the designated destinations and on time, the DC said.
The DC said that dredging machinery is not required for sand mining and if it is used, the local tahsildar has to seized the machinery. The officials at the meet said that even if they seize dredging machinery, it would be difficult to transport or keep in their possession because of the huge seize of machinery. To this, the DC replied that officials who seize such machinery will be rewarded and also costs will be borne from corpus funds.
A B Ibrahim also expressed concerns over illegal sand transportation using the label of 'readymix cement' in some places and said, "Loads and loads of sand are being transported in the name of readymix cement. How many readymix cement centres are there in the district and how many have the permits to load? The officials have to inspect and obtain complete details on this and be alert. Such centres are there in Ullal, KOnaje, Baikampady and surrounding areas of Netravati. There are many who take one permit and misuse it as they please. Strict action should be taken against them."
ZP CEO Srividya, RTO Afzal Ahmed Khan and others were present.