Latest news with #MinesandGeologyDepartment
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Mines department fines 26 quarry lease holders for violations in Davanagere
BENGALURU: The Mines and Geology Department has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 each on 26 quarry lease holders, including three leases held by M/s GMM Enterprises belonging to the family members of Mines & Geology and Horticulture Minister SS Mallikarjun in Davanagere district, for violating lease conditions. The department's move comes after Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa registered suo moto cases after an inspection in July. SS Ganesh, brother of Mallikarjun, is a partner of GMM Enterprises, which is operating the quarries in three survey numbers (144, 145 and 148) in Hebbal village of Davanagere. At these three sites, lease conditions, including environmental clearance, are violated. The lease holder was not maintaining a 7.5 mtr buffer zone from the periphery of the lease area, not fixing the boundary pillars and not fencing the area are the other violations. Therefore, in all Rs 75,000 fine (Rs 25,000 on each quarry) has been imposed on GMM Enterprises. Identical violations have been found with the other 23 leaseholders in the Davanagere district, and hence a fine of Rs 25,000 each has been imposed on them also. Mines dept notices to 72 quarry lease holders In all, a fine of Rs 6.50 lakh has been collected recently by the Mines and Geology Department from 26 lease holders after conducting the mahazar along with Tahsildar, Additional Director of Land Records and Forest Department officials, pending inquiry before Upa Lokayukta Justice Veerappa. The fine amount has been remitted to the government, sources told TNIE. Added to this, sources said that the Mines and Geology Department has issued notices to a total of 72 quarry lease holders for the alleged violation of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994, in the district, including the 26 lease holders who have already paid the fine now. Even remaining leaseholders are also replying to the notices and fulfilling the conditions by taking corrective measures, sources added. Taking serious note of the complaints received over the alleged exploitation of natural resources and causing loss to the state's exchequer due to the alleged illegal mining, quarrying, stone crushing, and violations of lease conditions by certain lease holders in Davanagere district, Justice Veerappa, along with the District Task Force, paid surprise visit to the district in July 2025. In all, he had registered a total of 13 suo moto complaints not only pertaining to the mining department but also about maladministration in other departments in the district.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
DK residents can buy non-CRZ sand from stock yards
The Mines and Geology Department has said that 15,424 tonnes of sand of non-coastal regulation zone (non-CRZ) areas is available for purchase at stock yards for the residents of Dakshina Kannada district. The purchase can be made either through or DK Sand Bazaar App. In all, 27,550 tonnes of non-CRZ sand was available at stock yards since March 2025, of which people have bought 12,126 tonnes of sand so far. Those in need of sand may buy the available sand through the website, said a release. However, sand would not be allowed to be transported out of the district, it clarified. The department said the district sand monitoring committee had decided to supply sand from 15 identified non-CRZ blocks in the district through the app. Simultaneously, it had asked transporters to register their vehicles on the app for hassle-free transportation. Sand supply commenced from March 16. While environmental clearance was obtained to remove sand, which was estimated to be 3.30 lakh tonnes, at the 15 locations, excavation was not allowed during the Monsoon from June 5 to October 15. Till fresh sand was excavated, public may buy the sand from the stock yards, the department said. For assistance, people can call 6364019555 or contact the office of the senior geologist on 0824-2429932.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Civil contractors urge government to address scarcity of sand, laterite stone in Dakshina Kannada
The scarcity of sand and laterite stone has virtually brought construction activities across the district to a standstill, stressed the Civil Contractors' Association, Mangaluru, on Tuesday, and urged the State government to address the issue. Association president Mahabala Kottari stated that contractors were unable to procure quality sand from Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas due to legal hurdles. For a month, the police and district officials have restricted the supply of laterite stone extracted from patta lands. The police have also prevented the supply of laterite stone coming from other districts in the State and from Kerala, Mr. Kottari alleged. Apart from construction labourers, the lives of those relying on the extraction and supply of sand and laterite stones were in jeopardy, he said. Association vice-president Dinakar Suvarna said contractors are concerned about environmental protection. 'We want the district administration to take steps to protect the environment while easing the rules in making sand and laterite stone available at an affordable cost.' By seeking relaxation in norms, the association was not favouring indiscriminate extraction of sand and laterite stones, Mr. Suvarna asserted. 'No scarcity' Ruling out reports of scarcity of sand and laterite stone in Dakshina Kannada, an official from the Mines and Geology Department said a sufficient quantity of medium and coarse sand was available in 21 sand blocks in the non-CRZ area. People can book sand by accessing throughout the day. In July, 60 orders for about 10 metric tonnes each were booked. The official said a sufficient quantity of laterite stones extracted from 10 patta lands was available. The permission granted for the extraction of laterite stone in 320 patta lands has expired, he said.
