Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 6: It is learnt that the state minister for mines and geology, Rajashekhar B Patil, had expressed himself in favour of increasing the number of licences being issued for sand extraction in CRZ areas of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, but both the district administrations are unwilling to do so. The minister has asked the opinions of both the deputy commissioners on this issue.

The deputy commissioners say that they are bound by the rules laid out by the National Green Tribunal relating to sand extraction. The elected representatives and applicants for licences are in favour of increasing mining licences but the administrations are not.

In Dakshina Kannada, as against over 400 licences issued for sand extraction in the past, it is said that the deputy commissioner has decided to restrict the number to 100 this time. Out of 438 applications received so far, licences have been permitted to 75. In Udupi district, 171 were permitted to extract sand in traditional way in the past, but this time, only 46 licences have been issued, although the MLA is hell bent on issuance of licences to all the 171.

During his visit to the coast on January 30, the minister had considered the demands of the elected representatives and asked the district administrations to increase the number of licences. But both the deputy commissioners are reluctant to do so. It is said that officials of other departments agreed to the suggestion of the minister to grant over 400 licences in Dakshina Kannada district but the deputy commissioner suggested to limit the number to 150 and choose the miners through lottery system. Sources said that the minster has asked the deputy commissioners of these districts to adhere to the instructions they might receive after the cabinet sub-committee formed to revise sand policy meets and takes a decision.