‘New sand policy in three months’

Mahadevappa rejects charge against him on illegal sand extraction

Belgaum, Apr.19: A case of illegal sand mining in Krishna river bed near Kudachi village of Raibag taluka. EOM.;Belgaum, Apr.19: A case of illegal sand mining in Krishna river bed near Kudachi village of Raibag taluka. EOM. - Belgaum, Apr.19: A case of illegal sand mining in Krishna river bed near Kudachi village of Raibag taluka. EOM.

Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa has said the government will soon announce a policy to regulate extraction of sand.

Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Dr. Mahadevappa, who heads the Cabinet subcommittee on formulating a sand policy, said the panel discussed the issue in detail.

The new policy would be announced in two or three months, the Minister said.

It would lay emphasis on environment protection. Places for sand extraction would be identified. The sand mafia was behind the illegal extraction of sand and its transportation at various places, the Minister said.

While sand was required for building infrastructure, excessive extraction led to depletion of water-level in rivers, he said.

Dr. Mahadevappa said there was no substance in the allegations made against him and his family on illegal sand extraction.

“Neither my family nor I is involved in sand extraction. I will resign if the charge is proved,” Dr. Mahadevappa said.