Sand extraction from the riverbanks of the Cauvery and its tributaries in Mandya district is on the rise.
The district administration has imposed a ban on extracting sand from the rivers in Mandya.
Nonetheless, those indulging in illegal sand extraction are on the prowl on the banks of Cauvery and its tributaries Shimsha, Hemavathi, Lokapavani and Veera Vaishnavi to meet the needs of the booming construction industry in Bangalore and Mysore.
The sand suppliers are damaging ecology and harming the riverbanks, prompting the police to intensify action.
The number of illegal sand extraction cases registered in the district in 2012 was only 67. However, it has increased manifold this year with 404 cases (as on August 30).
The number of such cases registered last year was 163, according to statistics in the District Crime Record Bureau.
382 arrestedThe police arrested 112 persons in 2012, 258 in 2013, and 382 in 2014 (as on August 30) for illegally extracting sand in the district.
Also, property worth more than Rs. 50 crore was seized, a senior police official said.
Cases were booked against the arrested under the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules 2013, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Despite strict action, extraction and transportation of sand has continued in the district.
Over 500 lorry-loads of sand are being illegally transported from the riverbanks to various parts of the State every day. Even bullock carts are being used for the purpose in Maddur, Nagamangala, Malavalli and K.R. Pet, a Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader, requesting anonymity, said.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Borase Bhushan Gulabrao said the police would extern frequent offenders from the district.
“We will open rowdy-sheets against those involving in illegal sand extractions,” a release from his office said.
Malavalli Deputy Superintendent of Police R. Shivakumar told The Hindu that the police have intensified night patrolling to curb the menace.
