M-Sand producers in Belagavi have warned of launching a protest if authorities fail to act against the widespread illegal mining and transportation of sand and M-sand in the district.
Office-bearers of the M-Sand Producers Welfare Association said they are frustrated by the unchecked illegal activities and have threatened to stage a protest at the Department of Mines and Geology office in Belagavi. The association has submitted memoranda to officials of the department, as well as to tahsildars and police officers, urging them to take immediate steps to curb the violations. However, they alleged that no meaningful action has been taken so far.
According to the association, illegal operations are causing severe losses to legally functioning stone crushers and leading to significant revenue loss to the government, as illegally produced M-sand is being sold at cheaper rates. In its memorandum, the association alleged that Shridevi Crusher at Yaraganavi village in Yaragatti taluk and VS Wali’s crusher at Gosabal village in Gokak taluk are producing M-sand without approved quarries. It also claimed that Yallammadevi Crusher at Kodliwad village in Yaragatti taluk is operating without a valid licence, excavating stone from private land and producing and selling large quantities of M-sand at very low prices.
The association further alleged that illegal extraction and transportation of sand from streams and rivers is continuing unchecked. It claimed that sand is being illegally extracted using boats from the Savala stream near Dundanatti and Benachinamaradi villages in Gokak taluk. Similar activities were reported near the Aralikatti and Chilabhavi dam areas in Yamakanmaradi limits, where filtered sand is allegedly being transported using tractors. Illegal sand movement was also reported from villages including Teggihal, Munavalli, Aralikatti, Jakabal and Budarahalli in Savadatti taluk, as well as Sureban and Mullur villages in Ramdurg taluk.
Demanding strict action against those allegedly involved in illegal sand mining, transportation, and the operation of unlicensed M-sand units, the association said repeated complaints to authorities have gone unanswered. It warned that the protest would be intensified if immediate and effective action is not taken.
