Illegal extraction of sand from the river bed close to Nagarahole National Park has commenced after a brief lull. Following reports in The Hindu , the police had cracked down on sand extraction and seized vehicles, but sources in the Forest Department have confirmed that sand extraction has been taking place in the area.
“Unlike in the past, extraction takes places from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., after which workers disperse to avoid detection. They are back on duty after dusk,” said sources.
Illegal extraction of sand has been reported from Konanahosahalli and Kolivige, Billenahosahalli, Kalkdada, Megathuru, Sindenahalli, Abbur, all of which are in the Matigudu range of Nagarahole National Park and hardly 100 metres from the forest boundary.
Nearly 20 to 30 tractor-loads of sand are being extracted from the river bed and transported to Panchavalli and Periyapatana, from where it goes to Madikeri.
Meanwhile, activists have expressed concern that timber illegally felled in the forests and covered by sand could also be transported, and hence have called for greater vigilance by the police and district administration. “But the sand mafia in operation seems to be strong and most workers are from T. Narsipura and surrounding areas as they are reckoned to be adept at sand extraction,” said sources.
Though an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) is yet to be notified around Nagarahole, a government communiqué makes it clear that any form of sand extraction is banned by default within a 10 km range of a national park or a wildlife sanctuary.
This order will be binding till the actual boundary of the ESZ is demarcated through a notification.
Forest officials have turned a blind eye to the situation, saying they have no jurisdiction over extraction taking place in revenue land. With searing heat and rapid drying up of water body, the water table is also expected to be affected if the river banks continues to be ravaged within a few meters of the national park.
Activists worry that timber felled from forests and covered by sand could be transported
Any form of sand extraction is banned within a 10 km range of a national park
