SHIVAMOGGA: The Karnataka government has issued penalty notices totalling more than ₹68 crore to 28 sand mining contractors in Shivamogga district for alleged violations of mining regulations.
Responding to a question by MLC Balkhees Banu in the Legislative Council, Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun said action had been initiated over illegal mining and other violations.
In one case in Dabbana Gadde village of Thirthahalli taluk, authorities issued a notice seeking a ₹1.08 crore penalty for the alleged illegal extraction of 2,116 metric tonnes of sand. Further action on pending penalties will be taken through the district-level sand committee as per rules, the minister said.
Under the 2016 amended rules, 38 sand mining contracts had been approved in the district. Of these, 34 contracts have expired, while four remain operational.
Under the 2023 amended rules, 31 sand blocks have been identified in Shivamogga. Eight have been reserved for government works, while the remaining blocks have been allocated through a tender-cum-auction process. The process for 20 blocks has been completed and letters of intent issued to successful bidders.
The government said sand mining will be permitted only after obtaining the required environmental clearance.
Revenue, Forest, Police and Mines and Geology department officials have been empowered to take action against illegal sand mining, transportation and storage in the district.