Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 8: Officials of mines and geology, revenue and police departments, who conducted a joint raid on the illegal sand extraction unit functioning on the banks of River Netravati near Adyar, not only seized 30 loads of sand, but also demolished 33 make-shift sheds located there.

The officials had received complaint about illegal sand mining being conducted from River Netravati at Adyarkatte and Batla areas in the evenings and nights. The officials visited the spot on Monday evening and found 25 boats powered by motors being used by workers belonging to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for sand mining. The workers, at the sight of officials, rode away in their boats to the middle of the river and escaped. The officials took into possession ten loads of sand stocked at six places.

On Tuesday, the officials conducted an operation of larger size in Adyarkatte area and seized 30 loads of sand. Not only did they demolish 33 temporary sheds, but also razed to the ground two buildings. Notices have been issued for four more buildings, and operations will continue, said Mangaluru tahasildar, Guruprasad.

Deputy director of mines and geology department, Sumitra, has filed complaint in the city rural police station, seeking to register case against illegal sand mining within Coastal Regulatory Zone.

Deputy director informed that police help was obtained for the raids and the sand mafia did not make any attempt to attack the government officials.