Kundapur: Villagers stage protest against illegal sand mining

Kundapur: Villagers stage protest against illegal sand mining

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, May 21: Illegally transporting sand vehicles were blocked by the villagers of Kambadakone and Kodery, near Byndoor in Kundapur taluk and staged a protest against the illegal sand mining on Thursday.

Hundreds of villagers took part in the protest. Villagers have alleged that a few people from Kodery, Kambadakone and neighboring villages are carrying out illegal sand mining since the last two years. The illicit business is taking place on the basis of temporary license, which obtained by them two years back. Because of illegal sand mining carried out in the banks of Yedamavinahole rivulet flowing through these villages, their houses have developed cracks. Nearly 20 houses are in a danger condition so far, they said.

Chandra Poojary, resident of Kodery, has rued that ‘it was a worthless effort by the villagers, who registered complaints in the police station off and on against the illicit sand sand mining and transportation. They have also approached Udupi district deputy commissioner, mines and geology department, Kundapur taluk tahsildar, alleging illegal sand mining in this area, as the officers in district administration have expressed less interest to receive complaint from them.

Chanra warned that his villagers go for an agitation, if the sand mining operations in the region do not cease with immediate effect.