Separate sand policy for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi in 15 days: Minister

MANGALURU: Minister for mines and geology C C Patil said that a separate sand policy will be introduced for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts within 15 days.
After holding a review meeting with officials from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi here on Thursday, he said that sand mining in coastal districts was not easy due to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. “We have discussed the possibilities of framing a separate sand policy for the coastal districts.I have directed deputy commissioners of both districts to meet in Bengaluru. We want to resolve the issues once for all,” Patil said.
On complaints regarding quarrying of laterite stones illegally in undivided Dakshina Kannada, the minister said the department will issue permits for quarries in patta lands only. “Nearly 250 people have submitted applications for laterite stone quarrying. We will scrutinise all applications thoroughly as per rules and permits will be issued to quarry owners who have patta land.
Meanwhile, police officials from both districts have been directed to act against those who are quarrying stones from government lands,” he said adding that no illegal stone quarrying will be allowed.
Similarly, to prevent the illegal transportation of sand and laterite stones to Kerala, 196 CCTV cameras will be installed to increase the surveillance on border routes of Dakshina Kannada. At present, 104 families engaged in traditional sand extraction have been identified and permits have been issued to them in the district. More permits will be issued to such families based on the decision of the District Sand Monitoring Committee, he said.