Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, May 21: Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao has announced a ban on clearing of sand mounds and transportation of sand in restricted coastal areas. The orders were issued by him to temporarily permit holders, owners and drivers of transport vehicles to clear sand mounds.

As many as 161 temporary permits were issued for clearing of sand mounds from the river banks in Udupi district coastal zone.

The no objection letter KSCZMA in connection with four sand mounds issued for 39 temporary permits expired on March 29, 2022. Therefore, the permits were withheld.

The no objection letter KSCZMA in connection with 122 temporary sand permits to clear 19 sand mounds in Udupi and Brahmavar taluk limits is valid till August 22, 2022. But as per the orders of the green tribunal, Chennai south zone, dated May 18, 2022 the seven-member committee of the Udupi district has acted and written requesting the director of mining and geology, Bengaluru to withhold 122 temporary permits.

Likewise, all the 122 temporary permits have been withheld. The boats and vehicles that were being used to transport sand have also been asked to vacate.