BENGALURU: A interim report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Chikkaballapur to the Lokayukta has revealed that almost one complaint is being registered everyday against illegal sand mining in the district. As many as 481 cases have been booked from April 2016 to August 2017.
The report also revealed that 39 vehicles and machines were seized after raids at seven illegal stone crushing units in Chikkaballapur taluk and illegal mining continued despite repeated FIRs registered at Gudibande Police Station.
Lokayukta sources said the deputy commissioner’s report came in response to the directions issued by Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty, who acted on an anonymous complaint against the rampant illegal sand mining, stone crushing and quarrying.
Justice Shetty had ordered the Chikkaballapur SP to submit a report. The preliminary inquiry report pointed out that officials connived with local politicians to allow illegal stone crushing. Then the Lokayukta ordered deputy commissioner to take action.
The deputy commissioner has informed the Lokayukta that a team of officials to check illegal mining round the clock has been formed. The report also said that as many as 1,250 applications seeking license for mining in the district, some pending since the year 2000, have been rejected.
The Deputy Commissioner is yet to submit the details of the officials who connived with local politicians indulging in the illegal mining, and the steps to be taken to determine the loss to the exchequer because of illegal mining.
“After receiving the report from Chikkaballapura DC, the Lokayukta has sought copies of the FIRs registered by the district administration in Gudibande police station,” a judicial officer in Lokayukta said.
Highlights of DC’s report
Raids conducted on
7 crusher units
39 vehicles and machines seized
24x7 station established to check illegal transportation of minerals
Nodal officers appointed to regulate illegal mining
Not to give new license till environment assessment report submitted
Illegal Sand Mining
From April 2016 to August 2017:
As many as 481 cases booked and `27.13 lakh penalty collected
Overloading of sand
188 cases booked and `25.39 lakh penalty collected
Illegal Stone quarry
5 cases registered, `49.33 lakh penalty levied
74 vehicles seized and `29.87 lakh penalty collected