Belagavi M-Sand Producers Demand Action Against Illegal Mining- Key Highlights;
- Strike Threat by Legal Producers: The M-Sand Producers Welfare Association plans a strike in Belagavi to protest illegal M-sand extraction and unlicensed crushing, citing repeated complaints ignored by authorities.
- Illegal Crushers Named: Units such as Shridevi Crusher (Yaraganavi), VS Wali’s Crusher (Gosabal), and Yallammadevi Crusher (Kodliwad) are accused of operating without licenses, producing thousands of tonnes daily at throwaway prices.
- Unlawful Sand Mining from Water Bodies: Illegal sand removal is ongoing from streams and rivers (Savala, Aralikatti, Chilabhavi dam) using boats and tractors, causing environmental damage and soil erosion.
- Urgent Call for Enforcement: The association demands immediate action by the Department of Mines & Geology, local police, and tahsildars, warning of demonstrations if regulatory measures are not applied.
M Sand Producers in Belagavi are planning to go on strike against the illegal extraction and transportation of sand and manufactured sand (M, sand) in the district. They say that they have been complaining to local authorities several times, but authorities have not taken any action. The M Sand Producers Welfare Association released a statement charging that unlicensed operators have caused major losses to both lawful businesses and government revenue.
According to the association, several unlicensed crushers are operating in Belagavi, producing M-sand without valid approvals or licenses. Other observations includes;
- Shridevi Crusher in Yaraganavi village (Yaragatti taluk) is cited as operating without a sanctioned quarry.
- VS Wali’s Crusher in Gosabal village (Gokak taluk) is also reported to lack proper approvals.
- Yallammadevi Crusher in Kodliwad village (Yaragatti taluk) allegedly, Excaves stone from private lands., Sells M-sand at very low (“throwaway”) prices and produces thousands of tonnes daily without legal sanction.
The association further raised concerns about the ongoing illegal extraction of sand from water bodies. According to their memorandum, sand removal using boats continues unabated in streams such as the Savala near Dundanatti and Benachinamaradi villages (Gokak taluk). Similar activities have been reported near the Aralikatti and Chilabhavi dam areas in Yamakanmaradi limits, where filtered sand is allegedly transported using tractors. The memorandum also listed villages in Savadatti taluk including Teggihal, Munavalli, Aralikatti, Jakabal, and Budarahalli, as well as Sureban and Mullur in Ramdurg taluk, where illegal sand movement continues.
The association claims that illegal sand extraction and M-sand production have not only undermined legitimate operators but also caused significant revenue losses to the state government. They contend that M-sand produced and sold by unlicensed units is available at lower prices, creating an unfair market advantage over legally functioning crushers.
The memorandum calls on the authorities including the Department of Mines and Geology, tahsildars, and local police officials to crackdown on the offenders involved in illegal sand mining, unlicensed crushing, and the unauthorised transportation of filtered sand from streams and riverbeds. The association, in the meantime, has claimed through its letters that no real enforcement measures have been applied.
Manufacturers signal a warning point towards a probable discord if the issue is not properly addressed. In their letter, the association suggested that they will raise the level of their protest such as a demonstration at the Department of Mines and Geology office in Belagavi if the government does not react quickly.
Illegal sand mining and M, sand production have been a source of conflict in Karnataka for a long time. These activities not only affect the environment, but also have economic repercussions. Besides the government losing revenue, unregulated extraction from rivers and streams leads to soil erosion, lowering of water table, and damage to the local environment, thus, the demand for the law to be enforced is becoming more and more urgent.
This case is a clear example of how the government needs to have strong regulatory control, be open about its rights of licensing, and act immediately to save the environment and also to support the lawful M, sand manufacturers interests in Karnataka.
