Davanagere authorities intensify action on illegal mining operations

Davanagere: Deputy commissioner GM Gangadharaswamy instructed officials to identify and combat unauthorised soil, sand, and stone mining operations. He stressed that only mining activities with valid permits should be allowed to operate.
At a Tuesday meeting at the DC's office, he held discussions with officials from the revenue, police, irrigation, mines, and geology departments. "Mining of soil, sand, and stones is essential for development. The govt has established policies and legal frameworks for this. Complaints are being received about illegal activities exceeding these boundaries. Such unauthorised mining must be immediately curbed," the DC emphasised.
"There are allegations of machinery being used to extract sand from the Tungabhadra River. The public has also reported stone mining near the river and barrage. Such activities that endanger the river cannot be tolerated. All departments must coordinate and work as a team. Task forces established at the taluk level should be operational," Gangadharaswamy directed.
The DC instructed mining department officials to maintain vigilance during night patrols, accompanied by police when inspecting mining locations. Vehicle inspections should be conducted on roads and checkpoints at night. He advised immediate FIR registration against those involved in illegal mining, with fines being a secondary consideration.
Regarding farmers, the DC Gangadharaswamy stated they should have permission to remove silt from lakes and use it freely for agricultural purposes. However, he called for restrictions on commercial transportation of soil in large trucks to other districts. "The minor irrigation department should make appropriate decisions in this regard," he said.
SP Uma Prashant stated that immediate FIR registration was necessary upon detecting illegal sand and soil transportation. She explained that postponing action under the pretext of imposing fines creates opportunities for undue influence.
"There is a provision to impose a fine of Rs 55,000 on trucks transporting soil and sand without a permit. So far, fines amounting to Rs 28 lakh were imposed," informed Rashmi, senior geologist, department of mines and geology.