Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 18: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, U T Khader, promised to recommend to the government to extend some concessions in the current stringent rules relating to sand extraction in the district to overcome acute shortage of sand. He said that he will try to get permission to undertake sand mining in non-coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) areas.

He was speaking to media persons during his visit to Urwa Store on Monday to inspect progress of Urwa market complex construction. "As per the current rules, locals from the respective blocks only can extract sand in non-CRZ areas. Another rule is that the sand extractors should have five years experience. Even after tender were called twice, sufficient number of persons could not file tenders. Because of this, there will be shortage of sand in our district. If more people are to participate, certain relaxations should be extended in sand rules. I will send recommendations towards this aspect through the deputy commissioner of the district," he explained.

He felt that if locals, to whom first preference need to be given, do not come forward for sand extraction, then outsiders should be allowed to mine sand. He said that the district administration should first submit survey report that is needed to extract sand in CRZ areas and begin sand trade immediately as it has the right to do so. He wanted the restriction about non-export of sand to outside the district to be followed strictly, and to ensure that sand, which is now priced at about Rs 15,000 per load, is available to the people for Rs 3,000 to 4,000. He said that it is the duty of the district administration to attend to these tasks.

"Lot of silt and sand has got accumulated in Thumbe dam. I have asked the deputy commissioner to undertake study and take up desilting work there. The sand so collected can be given for construction of Ashraya houses and government projects at a low rate," he said.