Extraction will start in six sand blocks in non-CRZ areas soon: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Sand extraction to begin in non-CRZ areas in Dakshina Kannada district, with focus on monitoring and legal framework.

Extraction of sand will shortly start in six sand blocks in the non-coastal regulatory zone (non-CRZ) in Dakshina Kannada district, said the district-in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao in Mangaluru on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting with officials, Mr. Rao stated that the District Sand Monitoring Committee had identified 11 sand blocks in the non-CRZ area. Following the approval of the committee, tenders were floated for six blocks. Tenders will be floated for the remaining five blocks shortly.

“I have directed officials to expedite the process,” Mr. Rao said and added that the officials were directed to identify more sand blocks in the non-CRZ

Regarding extraction in CRZ, Mr. Rao stated that the government cannot take action as it requires clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. “Anyhow, I have asked district officials for a proposal, which can be pursued with the Central government,” he said.

While reiterating the government’s zero tolerance for illegal extraction of sand and laterite stone, Mr. Rao said the legal framework for the extraction of sand and laterite stone will be worked out in the two months of the monsoon period, when there will be a lull in the extraction of sand and laterite stone.

Mr. Rao said laterite stone traders have pointed to lower royalties and other charges in Kerala, which makes people prefer laterite stones from Kerala. He has asked officials to submit a proposal to make the extraction of laterite stone viable for traders in Karnataka.

The Minister stated that it will be compulsory for all educational institutions in the district to participate in the campaign against drug consumption and sale. Institutions have been involved in the campaign so far, but some institutions have been diffident. “All institutions will be compulsorily brought on board for the campaign. The district administration will make sincere efforts to stop the sale and consumption of drugs,” he said.