Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 9: Deputy commissioner (DC) Dr Rajendra K V had banned sand mining in the district of Dakshina Kannada on the basis of banning of sand mining under CRZ limits of Udupi district ordered by NGT. Sand miners had approached the high court against the order of DC and the high court stayed the ban order of DC on Tuesday.

The order of banning sand mining in Dakshina Kannada was taken out by DC on May 22.

The traditional sand miners of Udupi have filed a petition at Supreme Court against the order of NGT banning sand mining in CRZ limits. Senior lawyer Devadath Kamath will argue the case for the miners of Udupi.

The sand miners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi say that this industry is running since five decades and thousands of people earn their livelihood from this business. If CRZ sand mining is not done then sand will accumulate near the river mouth which will affect fishing. Due to accumulation of sand in the river, artificial floods will occur. If illegal sand mining needs to be controlled and sand should be made available to commoners at reasonable rates, then permission to do sand mining under the limits of CRZ should be given.

Sand miners’ association president Mayur Ullal said, “NGT has ordered illegal sand mining in Udupi. It does not apply to Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts. Appeal will be placed in front of Supreme Court to allow traditional sand miners to do business.”

Mayur Ullal said that the high court has upheld the same view of sand miners’ association and stayed the order of DC of Dakshina Kannada.