Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AB)
Mangaluru, Aug 22: In a scathing criticism against the ongoing illegal sand mining near the Addur bridge connecting Kaikamba and Polali, MLA Bharat Y Bharat Shetty stated that the area appeared like 'a part of enemy country'.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, August 22, he highlighted ongoing issues related to the Addur Bridge, connecting Kaikamba to Polali, where heavy vehicle movement has been banned due to structural damage.
The MLA accused authorities of being hesitant to take action against the illegal activities that have persisted beneath the bridge for several years. "Despite repeatedly informing officials for over a year and a half, illegal sand mining continues unabated. Even when raids are conducted, the operations resume at night," he said.
Shetty raised concerns about whether district ministers were capable of halting the illegal activities in the region. "In other parts of the district, sand mining is controlled, but in Addur, it remains unchecked. There are no valid licenses for sand mining here, and despite the monsoon season, when sand mining should be stopped, it continues daily, especially beneath the bridge," he stated.
The MLA questioned whether there was political influence or fear associated with a particular community that was allowing the illegal activities to persist. "This area has become such that officials are afraid to enter. The bridge closure has caused inconvenience to devotees visiting the temple, but vehicles involved in illegal sand mining are still allowed to pass. Is the bridge closed to protect illegal sand miners?" he asked.
Shetty also criticized senior politicians for their silence on the issue. "Why aren't they speaking out? Ministers come here, hold meetings with certain individuals, and then leave without addressing the pressing concerns of the district," he said. He added, "Officials conduct raids, but the mining activities resume at night. When the officials leave, the operations start again. Is the district administration powerless to stop these activities in Addur? Sand mining is controlled in other areas, but not here. Why is there no one with a license here? Is there a political hand behind this? Is it fear of a particular community?”
The MLA also pointed out the inconvenience faced by the public due to the vehicular ban on the Addur Bridge, especially for those visiting the nearby temple. "Public vehicles are prohibited, but illegal sand miners have free access. Has the bridge been closed only for their benefit?" he questioned.
Bharath Shetty called for immediate action and accountability from the district administration to put an end to the illegal activities that have been ongoing in the Addur area.