Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 27: Non-availability of sand, in spite of the fact that most of the sand gets mined here, has been having its toll on a number of activities in Karnataka coast since sometime. All the development activities have come to a screeching halt, thanks to scarcity of sand. The sand mafia controls a huge racket that decides who gets sand at what rate and when. On the face of it, this racket might be appearing to be going on a small scale, but big money changes hands here. Top officials and politically well-connected people have joined hands with the sand mafia, thus allowing it to have a say in the economy and development of the twin-districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

For extracting sand from rivers and rivulets, the mafia does not employ traditional mining methods. Instead, motor is used to pump water mixed with sand to the banks. The fresh water which comes out with the sand separates fine sand from gravel. The water mixed with silt then flows back into the water bodies. As a result, lifeline of the people, water, is drying up fast.

Mogaveerapete, which is 30 km away from the district headquarters, is located on the banks of River Sita in Pejamanjoor village. This racket is going on full steam at this village. The business goes on at the bank of a tributary of River Sita which flows from Ballbail and Kenjoor before emptying into River Sita. Because of high temperatures now, the water level here is at its lowest ebb.

The local zilla panchayat member, assisted by police circle inspector and others, had raided the spot and stopped the activity perhaps because the person involved was a BJP activist. The mafia stopped functioning for a day then and resumed operations the very next day without any hesitation. On another occasion, panchayat development officer of Kokkarne gram panchayat had come and stopped the activity. Although it seemed like that was the end of this racket, the activity is thriving after the two factions led by BJP and Congress entered into a tacit understanding. When the concerned were contacted, they said that those doing this activity are driven by the need to earn their livelihood, and that it would be better to leave them alone.

The locals are aware that the sand mining going on here is illegal as mechanized sand mining is in operation.

There have been internal squabbles relating to this issue. Although officials of mines and geology and panchayat development officer of Kokkarne inspected the site, the issue was swept under the carpet due to the pressure brought by people's representatives.

The locals too seem to be not taking interest relating to this matter, as they feel that this activity is going on in the land owned by an individual, and therefore, others need not be unduly perturbed about it.

When this matter was brought to the notice of the district superintendent of police, K Annamalai, he immediately contacted Brahmavar police sub-inspector, Madhu, and asked him to inspect the site along with documents. He also directed him to seize the items of the mining if it is going on illegally. Soon after, the machinery used for the purpose was lifted out of the water and work was stopped. However, it is largely felt that after a few days, the mining would resume in the same manner.

Interestingly, the media has got information that the mining racket is now going on with the coming together of six to seven partners, who have the blessings of local people's representatives. River Sita, which is expected to flow to the fullest and meet the aspirations of the people of the district, is now wilting under the onslaught of sand traffickers who are driven by the greed to make money by encashing the available opportunity. One hopes that the district administration and officials of concerned departments will act at least now, investigate the matter in its entirety, and take steps against illegal and reckless sand mining through unacceptable methods.