Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 23: During the last some days, the district administration, in a renewed action against illegal sand miners and trucks carrying excessive loads of sand, has taken action against 93 trucks carrying sand including levying of fine, for overloading, confiscation of the vehicles etc.

The action of the administration included raiding illegal sand mines, stopping of trucks on highways, checking their documents, verifying the weight, and then either imposing fine or confiscation of vehicles depending on the nature of offence. Illegal sand mines were raided at Arkula, Adyar, Kallapu and other places. An earth mover and seven backhoes are among the vehicles seized from illegal sand mines. Trucks were taken into custody from Beltangady, Moodbidri, Puttur, and Sullia.

The tahsildars and assistant commissioners have also been active in trying to stop illegal sand mining and transportation. The deputy commissioner of the district has asked the sand miners to produce valid permits for sand mining and transportation when sought. He said no compromise would be permissible about the load every truck can carry.

However, it has been learnt that the operation against illegal transportation of sand trucks which was going on relentlessly has been suspended from Wednesday afternoon, after Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, held a meeting about steps to be taken against sand mafia and controlling of marketting of sand. During the meeting, he reportedly told the officials that henceforth, trucks may be released after issuing them warning that their permits would be cancelled in case of similar repeat offences. Still, 22 trucks were confiscated at Mottettadka, Puttur, on Wednesday.