Pramesh S Jain
Taking a suo motu cognisance of alleged large-scale illegal sand mining in Bagalkot district,Lokayukta has ordered an inquiry after receiving reports of rampant unauthorised mining and environmental degradation across the district.
Acting on the directions of the Lokayukta,the Bagalkot Lokayukta Police on Monday conducted inspections at 41 sand mining sites spread across Hungund,Ilkal, Badami and Mudhol taluks.
According to the inspection report,only nine mining sites were found to be operating with valid authorisation, while the remaining sites were allegedly carrying out sand extraction illegally.
During the inspections, officials found 62 tipper lorries, two tractors,24 excavators/JCBs,15 boats,besides pipes and other machinery allegedly used for illegal sand extraction and transportation.
Based on the findings,25 criminal cases have been registered at various police stations.
The Lokayukta report stated that illegal sand mining was being carried out in riverbeds,streams and agricultural lands by excavating sand to depths of 15 to 20 feet using heavy machinery.
The report observed that the activity had caused extensive damage to river ecosystems, agricultural land and public roads due to the movement of overloaded vehicles transporting illegally mined sand.
The report further noted that the district-level task force constituted to prevent illegal sand mining had failed to effectively curb the illegal operations.
To strengthen enforcement,the Lokayukta has recommended continuous surveillance of vulnerable mining areas,coordinated raids by the Mines and Geology,Police,Revenue,Forest and Transport departments,increased day-and-night patrolling,strict verification of e-transit passes, and seizure of vehicles and machinery used in illegal mining.
The report also called for greater use of technology, including drones,CCTV cameras and GPS tracking, to monitor mining activity and transport routes.
It recommended the installation of live CCTV cameras at authorised mining sites,with real-time monitoring by district authorities,besides promoting the use of manufactured sand (M-Sand) to reduce dependence on river sand.
The Lokayukta has further recommended stringent action against offenders under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,1957,the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules,1994,the Water Act,the Environment Protection Act,the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act,the Motor Vehicles Act,and other applicable laws.
The inquiry forms part of the Lokayukta’s continuing efforts to curb illegal mining, protect natural resources and prevent loss of government revenue.
