Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Nov 20: Due to rampant illegal sand mining, the residents of Uliyakudru village in Pavoor near Adyar are worried that their land is shrinking and it is now strongly suspected that it has already become like an island.

There are almost 400 voters residing in Uliyakuduru area and for the past past three years illegal sand mining has been going on. Because of the sand mining, the road connecting to the main city has been completely destroyed and the residents are using boats to go to the city.

There is a church and an Anganwadi in the village. The parents of around 30 kids want to send them to Anganwadi. But now the Anganwadi has been shut down due to the effects of sand mining. There are also complaints that there is no continuous electricity supply to the "island". Once disconnected for any reasons, it takes almost three days for MESCOM to restore the supply.

When the people consulted tahsildar Mohan Rao, he found for himself how the activity has been creating problems for about 80 families. He said that because of sand mining that is conducted without break all through day and night, families living in the village are facing threat to their lives and livelihood. However, he said that he could not do anything and suggested the residents to inform the deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim.

The residents met the deputy commissioner who promised that he would visit Uliyakuduru on Sunday November 23.

Residents of Uliyakuduru also visited Mangalore City Corporation and submitted the memorandum with 300 signatures to the MLC Ivan D'Souza and on Wednesday, November 19, Ivan went to the the area and visited the place by a boat.

When Ivan D'Souza paid visit to Uliyakuduru, the seven contractors started to argue with the local residents in front of MLC. People called a meeting in the Church where Ivan was invited and discussion was held.

Residents of Uliyakuduru requested MLC Ivan D'Souza to stop the illegal sand mining and suggested him to build a hanging bridge to connect the village with the city. They also requested the MLC to arrange weekly police patrol to the island and also to talk to MESCOM officials to keep the electricity supply uninterrupted.

Several locals including Gilbert, Philip, Basil D'Souza and Helen D'Souza brought to the notice of the MLC that their complaints about the illegal sand mining have failed to persuade the officials to act against illegal mining.

Responding to their need, Ivan promised to sanction Rs 5 lac from his MLC fund. He also promised that he would discuss with the issue with the DC and find a solution soon.

Mohan Rao told the MLC that recommendation has already been made to the district deputy commissioner to ban mining for a distance of 1,000 metres in Pavoor Uliya area. Minister U T Khadar, when contacted, told him that he had already given instructions to officials to stop illegal sand mining in the area.