Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Jun 30: The work of removal of silt from the Thumbay vented dam has begun in the vicinity of the dam. This work is being done under the leadership of mines and geology department. Around 500 loads of sand have been already collected. 

Permission has been given for the removal of silt at a cost of Rs 2.90 crore in the first phase. This project is formed under the special grant from the deputy commissioner. The sources said that the sand obtained in the process will be used for government as well as private works. 

The main contract of dredging has been given to Nelco Company from Delhi. Private individuals of Mangaluru have got the sub-contract from Nelco.

A generator of 125 KV capacity has been installed at the site to face any power-related issue. The dredging machine will lift 100 cubic meters of silt per hour. An area of four acres has been earmarked for this purpose. An expert team of labourers, who have handled similar jobs in Cochin and Odisha are working in the team. 

A protective fence is put up around the area where the sand is being stocked. CCTV is installed at the entrance and other areas and security personnel are also provided to prevent any illegal trafficking of sand. 

The work is being carried out at the river basin at Kulattabettu area of B Mooda village of the taluk. The dredging machine is kept on a mechanized boat and silt along with the water is being lifted and poured to a huge pit that has been made nearby. When the water flows out of the pit, the silt flows out with it. Pure sand gets accumulated at the base of the pit. This sand is removed through JCB machine and loaded onto trucks and transported to specific areas.

Technical coordinator Dharmesh says, "Our responsibility is limited to obtain sand through dredging and keeping account of the stock. The disposition and sale will be looked after by the mining department. If anyone needs sand, they can contact the department."