Udupi: I am not involved in M-sand mafia, do not accuse me – Pramod Madhwaraj

UDUPI,SEPTEMBER 11 2017:District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj visited the Mining and Geology Department, Rajathadri, Manipal on Monday, September 11 and looked into complaints regarding sand extraction permits and the doubling of charges of GPS application. Madhwaraj also brushed off the allegations made against him which said that he was promoting M-sand mafia. Madhwaraj said, “The purpose of installing GPS on boats is to monitor sand extraction. Anything beyond certified limits will be considered as illegal. If that is brought to the notice of National Green Tribunal (NGT), they will order a stay on traditional sand extraction. There is no permission for sand extraction under coastal regulatory zone (CRZ). The Ministry of Environment and Forest has said that sand shall be extracted only in certain places. A team of experts from NITK Suratkal have submitted report on sand deposit areas,”Vehicle drivers complained that they had paid up to Rs 7,000 for the GPS installation, but the GPS sellers are charging double the price now. The drivers added that they were finding it difficult to install the GPS to their vehicles. Explaining the situation to minister Madhwaraj, Sampath Shetty of Telematics4u Pvt Ltd said, “The price of the installation would be Rs 19,000. A pack of GPS includes security box, power bank and internal battery. The total charge of GPS includes 28% of GST. The GPS installed on a boat is completely different compared to other vehicle GPS due to its water resistant features. Based on our experience from Karwar, we are providing it on a normal price. GPS works through satellites. It gives accurate information.” Minister Madhwaraj questioned the Mining and Geology Department officer on why there was delay in issuing permits. “There are allegations against me that I am involved in M-sand mafia. Why should I promote M-sand? Do not accuse me like that. I do my best in the interests of the people and the environment. If officials are harassed or permits are delayed, let me know. I will take action immediately,” Madhwaraj said. “Some people are threatening of bringing stay on mining and holding strike. I have clearly told that sand should not be transported to other districts,” he added. Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis informed, “M-sand is concept formed by the government. All 38 rules have been framed by a 7- member committee chaired by the DC. There is no interference of any minister in this regard.” Kodandaramayya, district mines and geology officer said, “The mining department has sent notices to sand bar owners for the renewal of permits. Only a few of them have come forward to pay the required fees. In first phase, they will mark 133 sand bars, followed by that, 40 points will be marked in the second phase. Due to GPS tender process, the work related to permits was delayed for 10 days.” “Permit must be issued to people who agree to follow the rules framed by the government. If anybody violates the rule, traditional mining will be stopped. We will support anyone who works legally following the rules,” said Madhwaraj. Kodandaramayya said that permits will be issued at the earliest for all sand bar owners. POSTED BY : Tameem Momin