Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 4: Residents of Kottaru Kudru and Gatti Kudru islands, located within the Harekal and Amblamogaru villages of Ullal taluk, are living in fear due to rampant illegal sand mining. The situation has become so dire that there is now a looming threat of the islands being eroded away, expressed Oswald Furtado, president of the ‘Save the Islands Committee’.

Addressing a protest organized by the committee in front of the mines and geology department office at Mallikatte on Tuesday, Furtado highlighted that nearly 40% of the families residing on these islands for generations are now at risk as half of the land has already vanished due to illegal sand mining. He urged authorities to halt the unauthorized activities and restore safety and peace to the local residents.

Sunil Kumar Bajal, the committee's honorary advisor, pointed out the success of stopping illegal sand mining on Uliya Island through public protests. He emphasized that a similar struggle is needed to combat the illegal sand mafia operating openly on the twin islands of Harekal. He demanded a thorough investigation to expose and prosecute those violating the mining regulations.

Roy Castelino, public relations officer of the Mangalore diocese, expressed concern that while sand mafia operations thrive, local residents are forced to protest for justice. He criticized the lack of action from elected representatives, stating, "Despite having MPs and MLAs in the district, there is no solution to the problems faced by the locals."

DYFI leader Santosh Kumar Bajal questioned why the current government, which had previously curbed illegal sand mining through the 'Sand Bazaar' app under the same Speaker who is now an MLA, has failed to address the ongoing issue.

Former corporator and advocate Mariamma Thomas revealed that residents have been submitting petitions regarding illegal sand mining for over 20 years without any response. She mentioned that although a scouts and guides plaque was installed by the then deputy commissioner in 2007, illegal activities continue openly, with residents facing life threats if they oppose the mafia.

The protest was attended by committee general secretary Sunitha D'Souza, locals Kishore D'Souza and Nelson, and social activists Ashunth and Yogesh Jappinamogaru, among others.

Before the protest, a rally was held from St Agnes Junction to Mallikatte, with various public organizations joining hands with the islanders.

Former DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla demanded that the sand mafia be booked under the Goonda Act and expelled. He stressed the need to safeguard the livelihoods of the island's original inhabitants and preserve the islands from further destruction.

The protestors declared that their struggle would continue until the illegal sand mining is completely stopped.