Bengaluru, 27 Jan

State Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said “big people from all parties” were involved in illegal sand mining, calling it an “embarrassing situation” while responding in the Legislative Assembly to a question by JD(S) MLA Karemma Nayak, who alleged threats for opposing such activities in Raichur district.

“I have not shared details of who is involved, who is the leader behind it. It is a big racket. Big people are involved. Big people from all parties are involved,” Parameshwara said.

The minister said illegal sand mining was not limited to Devadurga or Raichur but occurred across the State. “We have no mercy on this. I will call a meeting of legislators from the district and take their suggestions before taking any decision,” he said.

Highlighting enforcement mechanisms, Parameshwara referred to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and a district-level committee comprising the DCP and police officials. “When a complaint is filed, the police take action,” he said, adding that there was also a separate Sand Task Force.

Acknowledging shortcomings, he said, “Sometimes there are lapses. I will see to it that they work properly… There is no question of compromising on this issue, but we can’t stop this in one day.” He added that a review meeting would be convened soon. 

Speaking with pain: Karemma details threats, mining impact

Raising the issue earlier in the Assembly, JD(S) MLA from Devadurga, Karemma Nayak, said she was speaking “with a lot of pain” about illegal sand mining continuing unchecked in her constituency despite repeated complaints to authorities.

“After becoming the MLA I have been honestly fighting to stop illegal sand mining,” she said. According to her, sand was being illegally mined from the Krishna river and transported overnight using JCBs and tippers.

“I’m getting lots of complaints from farmers about the activity also affecting their crops like chilli and cotton, with dust covering the crops,” Karemma said, alleging that no proper action had followed her representations.

The MLA also alleged intimidation for raising her voice. “I’m a woman MLA. What action is the government taking if such things are happening? Such things should stop,” she said, claiming that those who came to threaten her even held a press conference with two policemen deployed for them.

Pointing to policy gaps, Karemma said the government had floated tenders for sand extraction and supply to meet local demand, but the bids had not been opened. “Big hands are behind it as illegal mining means money. It results in loss of royalty for the government,” she said.

Responding later, Home Minister Parameshwara assured her of protection and safety. “I want to assure Karemma Nayak that we will not let any trouble in any way. We, the police department, are here to protect you,” he said.