Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand mining, transportation and storage, directing police to take stringent action against offenders, including invoking the Goonda Act against repeat violators.
The move follows directions from Home Minister Priyank Kharge, after which Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Salim issued a detailed circular to senior police officers across the state.
The Home Minister said illegal sand mining is not only a theft of the state’s natural resources but also poses a serious threat to law and order and public interest. He directed the police to enforce the law strictly against those involved in the illegal trade.
Under the new guidelines, district- and taluk-level task forces have been instructed to identify illegal mining hotspots and maintain continuous surveillance. Police officers have been made responsible for preventing illegal extraction, transportation and storage of sand, besides ensuring prompt registration of criminal cases.
The circular also calls for close coordination with the Mines and Geology, Revenue and Forest departments to prevent illegal transportation of sand, particularly across inter-state borders. Officers have been asked to ensure that enforcement and check-posts function effectively and to immediately report any shortage of infrastructure.
The government has warned of strict legal action against those involved in illegal sand mining and disciplinary proceedings against officials found negligent in enforcing the law.
In a significant step, all police units have been directed to invoke the Goonda Act against habitual offenders repeatedly engaged in illegal sand mining and transportation. The DG&IGP has also instructed that the progress of all illegal sand mining cases be reviewed mandatorily during monthly crime review meetings.
