MANGALURU | Apr 22, 2015: The Dakshina Kannada district administration continued its crackdown against illegal transportation of sand on Tuesday.

Revenue officials raided sand mining sites at Adyaru, Arkula, and Kallapu in Mangaluru taluk and seized 15 lorries, one earth excavating machine and seven bulldozers from these areas.

In Bantwal taluk, authorities detected 34 cases of overloading of lorries transporting sand and a dozen lorries for transporting sand without permit.

Late on Monday, revenue officials led by Mangaluru tahshildar Mohan Rao had raided an illegal sand mining dump behind Kannur Masjid and seized 15 lorries and two earth excavator machines from the spot. Based on information about illegal sand mining going on in the region, Mohan Rao carried out the raids and handed over the seized vehicles and the machinery to Mangaluru Rural police station. The raids were carried out as per directions given by DC A B Ibrahim.

Authorities on Monday had also booked cases against 18 lorries in Sullia taluk, 17 each in Puttur and Mangaluru taluks, and 13 lorries in Bantwal taluk for transporting sand in excess of the permit conditions.

The district administration has been taking a tough stance against illegal sand mining and overloading ever since a meeting held last week. Ibrahim had made it clear to the revenue and police officials to act tough with those involved in the illegal trade that is flourishing

Mohan Rao, referring to raids at Kannur, said each of these lorries will be independently weighed.

A fine will be levied on them if the sand exceeded the permitted weight. Besides, fines will also be levied for violation of permit conditions, he had said, adding the administration will peruse through permits before taking action. Sand will be handed over to the respective owners, once fine s mentioned by the state government is collected from errant miners and transporters.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)