TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: In a bid to curb heavy sand mining in Khanapur taluka and illegal transportation of sand to Goa, the Belgaum district administration has decided to take stringent measures by imposing a heavy cash fine on those involved in illegal sand mining and confiscating vehicles involved in transportation activity.
According to sources, illicit sand trade nexus is in operation under the direction of sand mafia between Khanapur taluka and North Goa.
Acting under the direction of Deputy Commissioner N Jairam, who is personally monitoring the issue of illegal transportation of sand especially to Goa, Assistant Commissioner Shashidhar Bagli has warned sand miners and officials in Khanapur taluka to mend their ways or face action.
According to Bagli, a fine of Rs 1 lakh will be imposed on illegal sand mining with the help of boats while the dumpers and trucks involved in illegal sand mining to Goa and other areas will be imposed with a fine of Rs 25,000.
“Excessive sand mining in the rivers and rivulets is adversely affecting the ecology in the ecologically sensitive Khanapur taluka which is covered by Western Ghats. Despite several warnings, sand miners are not mending their ways. It is also found that a large number of dumpers are found transporting sand to Goa due to the higher rate being offered there,” AC Shashidhar Bagli told Herald.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the nexus that is in operation. Cameras that have been installed at Surla border and other check posts in Karnataka are keeping vigil while a team comprising officials from police, forest, revenue and taluka administration has been directed to monitor the situation and initiate necessary action,” AC Bagli added.
Authorities from Karwar and Belgaum district are now working in tandem to curb the illegal sand mining menace, as special check posts at Anmod are being co-ordinated by Karwar district administration.According to authorities, issuing of passes for transportation of sand to Goa via Chorla has been stopped, while sand traders claimed that these measures will certainly have adverse impact on construction business in Goa.
According to Bagli, a fine of Rs 1 lakh will be imposed on illegal sand mining with the help of boats while the dumpers and trucks involved in illegal sand mining to Goa and other areas will be imposed with a fine of Rs 25,000.
