Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 31: As there is ban on extraction of sand from sand blocks located in coastal regulatory zones (CRZ) till September, there are doubts about the promise made by leaders to permit sand extraction from August 1 onward a reality.

On Tuesday, July 30, MLA K Raghupati Bhat had pleaded with the chief minister, B S Yediyurappa, to lift the ban on sand extraction and permit sand extraction from August 1 onward, when fishing activity resumes. He also had discussed the matter with CRZ secretary Vijayakumar.

In the meantime, deputy commissioner of the district Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, said that the meteorological department has predicted rainfall to continue for a minimum of ten days at an average of ten cm. She said that sand is not being extracted at present, and so far the administration has not received any directions in this regard.

MLA Raghupati Bhat, said that the chief minister has already signed an order to allow sand extraction in CRZ limits from August 1, and that it takes time to complete formalities and the order to be routed through the secretary of the department. He expected the order to be received by the district administration in a couple of days.