Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Feb 5: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundurao has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras on both sides of major bridges across highways to prevent damage caused by illegal sand mining. He issued the directive while inspecting the ongoing strengthening work of the Pollarli-Aduru state highway bridge.

Gundurao highlighted rising concerns over bridges weakening due to sand extraction near riverbanks, violating the 500-meter no-mining zone rule. "To protect these structures, continuous monitoring is crucial," he stated, ensuring CCTV will be set up at key bridges like Aduru.

The Aduru bridge strengthening project is underway at Rs 6.10 crore, with local demands for a new bridge. Gundurao has asked the Public Works Department to submit a proposal for the new construction.

The inspection was attended by MLA Manjunath Bhandary, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, and former minister Ramanath Rai.