Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 26: Dakshina Kannada district is grappling with an acute shortage of laterite (red) stone, prompting the district administration to impose a temporary ban on its transport to other districts.

Authorities have currently permitted the movement of red stone only within Dakshina Kannada, while the Mines Department has prohibited its supply to neighbouring districts such as Udupi and North Kannada.

“The shortage has affected construction activity and the livelihoods of labourers across the district for the past four months,” said a district official. “With limited permit holders and high demand, allowing red stone to leave the district at this stage could exacerbate the problem,” the official added.

Following recent relaxations in law, red stone transport has resumed within Dakshina Kannada over the past few days. Presently, 50 individuals have been granted permission to transport the stone. However, the administration stresses that the move is strictly temporary.

The Dakshina Kannada District Task Force has enforced this restriction due to the limited availability of red stone and the small number of permit holders. Officials indicate that the situation will be reviewed in the future: “If demand decreases and more permits are issued, we may consider allowing red stone transport to Udupi and Kasaragod districts,” the official added.

An expert committee has been constituted to monitor mining operations under the chairmanship of the District Commissioner. The panel includes the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Police Superintendents, and Deputy Directors of the Mines Department. Specialists from NIIT and other sectors have also been appointed to provide detailed reports. The committee will oversee the issuance of mining permits and inspect the condition of mining sites post-extraction.

Transport guidelines

According to recent government guidelines, “Permit holders must obtain mineral transport permission and may transport laterite bricks only to coastal districts.” Even after supply stabilises, the transport of red stone will remain confined to Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts.

Residents of coastal areas living in Bengaluru or other districts cannot transport red stone for construction, nor is transport to neighbouring Kerala permitted.