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Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 2: Members of Stone Boulders Suppliers Association and Tulunada Rakshana Vedike on Wednesday, December 2 alleged that illegal stone mining is rampantly thriving in Bantwal and Mangaluru.
Addressing a press meet here, Hemanth Kumar, joint secretary of Stone Boulders Suppliers Association said, "Due to the official apathy of administration and the local officers, illegal black stone mining in Mudipu, Melkar, Narahari Parvatha, Boliyar of Bantwal and Mangaluru taluks is rampant. Though the issue has been brought to the notice of officials concerned, no action has been initiated against illegal mining."
"Illegally mined stones are transported to Kerala. As there is good demand for stones and since mining is not allowed there. Capitalists of Kerala are behind this illegal act," he alleged.
As illegal transporters are not paying the royalty to the government, it directly affects the government treasury. Moreover, people in the vicinity are suffering due to health complications and environmental pollution, he said.
"Those who are involved in the mining are procuring explosives and gelatin sticks illegally by neglecting safety precautions. Hence, the administration should take strict action against the illegal stone mining racket. If the officials concerned failed to act against illegal mining and stone blasting, we will hold a strong protest against this in the coming days," Kumar said.
Mohammed Ismail of Tulunada Rakshana Vedike also spoke on the occasion.
Stone Boulders Suppliers Association vice-president Sameer, vice-president Abdul Aziz, secretary Shaafi, treasurer Gokuldas were present.