SHIVAMOGGA: Twenty-eight sand mining contractors have been found to have violated mining rules in Shivamogga district, which invited penalties notices of over Rs 68 crore.
In a specific case in Dabbanagadde village, Tirthahalli taluk, unauthorised sand extraction of 2,116 metric tonnes led to a penalty notice of Rs 1.08 crore against the leaseholder.
While replying to a question from MLC Balkhees Banu in the legislative council, Mines and Geology Minister SS Mallikarjun said the issue of the pending penalties will be placed before the District Sand Committee (DSC), which will take action under the applicable rules.
A total of 38 sand mining leases were sanctioned in the district under the amended rules in 2016. Of these, 34 have expired, while three sand leases and one concession are currently in force under the Karnataka Sub-Mineral Concession Rules, 1994.
In the district, 31 sand blocks have been identified under the concession (amendment) rules, 2023. Eight of these blocks have been reserved for government work, while the remaining 23 have been allotted or disposed of through tender-cum-auction.
The process for 20 sand blocks has been completed, with letters of intent issued to successful bidders and approval granted for carry projects, according to the reply based on a notification for the tender-cum-auction process issued on February 24, 2025
The reply said the departments were given the carry plan and environmental clearance certificate to procure sand.
Apart from the DSC, a District Task Force, and taluk-level committees have also been formed to curb unauthorised sand and stone mining, stockpiling and transportation
Officials from the Revenue, Forest, Police and Mines and Geology departments will also take action against unauthorised activities, the minister replied.
