Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bagalore, Feb 6: On Wednesday February 4, the Lokayukta police busted an illegal sand mining racket, arrested three, and confiscated 18 trucks, five tractors, five JCB machines in addition to 30 pumps.
Seven teams made up of around 50 Lokayukta police officials raided eight villages viz., Chikkagollahalli, Harahalli, Mayasandra, Tailagiri, Misakanahalli, Byadarahalli and Goodrich in Bangalore Rural district.
Speaking to the press later, Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said that this activity has been widespread in this district in particular and other districts across the state in general, in river beds and banks. He noted, that the Lokayukta had received 25 complaints in this connection and that the deputy director and principal secretary of mines and geology department had failed to contain the menace. The Lokayukta had intimated them about the problem last year itself, but they did not take any action, he stated.
"Illegal sand mining of this magnitude, which attracts provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, cannot be held without the knowledge or connivance of officials. The police, revenue, mining and BESCOM are supporting this activity. One of the arrested men revealed that they pay Rs 1,000 per truck of sand as bribe. Around 600 trucks operate on a daily basis," Justice Santosh Hegde revealed.
He noted, that the lands granted for cultivation to villagers with the pre-condition that that can not be alienated for 15 years, were given on lease to the mining contractors. The Lokayukta also criticized the mines and geology department for failing to either respond or frame proper policy guidelines to regulate sand mining activity and confine to only eco-friendly regions. As per press reports, two boys had drowned some time back in a tank created due to illegal mining. Moreover, the quality of sand so excavated is poor and cheap, and therefore, there is a likelihood of the buildings constructed by using them of endangering the lives and property of those using them, he warned. He also added that officials of the concerned department will be questioned on Thursday February 5.