Sand mining is being done in an area stretching more than 25 acres altogether. However, the license has been given for sand mining only for 9 acres in 4 villages.

Interestingly, the contractors pay only Rs 50,500 to the government to transport sand from one acre. The amount is shared between the government and the gram panchayat. There is reportedly much doubt regarding the role of the Mines and Geological Department and the contractors in allotting the mining area for such a lower bid.

In all, the government gets only Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for 9 acres. But, contractors are retrieving at least 4,000 loads of sand from one acre. A contractor gets Rs 3,500 per load on the spot. (The same load demands Rs 18,000 when it reaches Bangalore). Out of the 25 acres, the contractors mine about one lakh loads of sand, which is worth over Rs 3.5 crore.

As per the government’s rule, no machineries should be used for sand mining. Sand should be collected from a depth of not more than one metre.

License will be cancelled if a single localite objects, and so on. But here, sand is being collected from 20 mts by using mechanised boats and JCBs.

At least 300 trucks are proceeding towards Bangalore from Angadi, Hanthur villages everyday. There is a rule that a lorry can carry only 9 tonne weight on the roads here, but they are carrying over 30 tonnes, resulting in miserable condition of roads.

Three children have died in Hemavathi river a week back, drowning in the depth created after sand mining. A youth had also died last year. Cases have been filed against the contractors.

Hanthur Gram Panchayat has appealed the government and the Mines and Geological Department to take action against those who violate the regulations. Senior officials, GP members, Gonibeedu police visited the area on Tuesday and assured the public of taking further steps.