Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB/VP)
Mangaluru, Jun 24: In response to Daijiworld's exclusive report on rampant illegal sand mining in Pavoor Uliya island, leaders from the Catholic Sabha Mangaluru, Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike and District Joint Forum of Like-minded Organizations submitted a memorandum to deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, IAS, on Monday, June 24.
They urged the DC to visit Pavoor Uliya island, which has been severely affected by illegal sand mining activities. The memorandum highlighted the need for strict action against the sand mafia dominating the riverbanks of Dakshina Kannada.
Speaking to reporters, Roy Castolino, president of the Mother Theresa Vichara Vedike, stated, "We visited the site today along with representatives of the Catholic Sabha and the Konkani Sabha. We have come to the District Commissioner to address the problems faced by the people living on Pavoor Uliya island. We discussed the issue for half an hour, and the District Commissioner assured us that he will visit the site and take appropriate action. We will wait for his response."
CPIM leader and convenor of the DK District Union of Like-minded Organizations, Muneer Katipalla emphasized the plight of the 45 families residing on Pavoor Uliya island, who live in constant fear of drowning due to the erosion caused by illegal sand mining. He also pointed out the failures of the Mining and Geology Department and local police in curbing these illegal activities.
Muneer Katipalla said, "We have visited the site and requested the District Commissioner to take action. We have informed the Commissioner that about half of the island is missing and have requested a detailed report. There should be no sand mining in Pavoor, and the District Commissioner needs to take further action."
Katipalla further noted, "Previously, former DK deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, had inspected the site in response to continuous complaints about illegal sand mining. He had found significant environmental damage and banned all types of sand mining within one kilometer of the island. At that time, the sand mafia was dealt with, but now those activities have resumed. We informed the District Commissioner of the involvement of the Department of Mines and Geology and the local police in these illegal activities."
Deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan assured that an investigation will be conducted promptly, and updates regarding the issue will be provided to the media.
Catholic Sabha president Alwyn Paneer, former president Stany Lobo, Sunil Kumar Bajal and others were present.