The Hindu : Karnataka / Mysore News : Sand mining poses threat to bridge at T. Narasipura

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 23, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mysore

Sand mining poses threat to bridge at T. Narasipura

By Our Staff Correspondent

Sand mining from the Cauvery riverbed goes on unchecked.

MYSORE, MAY 22. It appears that illegal sand mining from the riverbed of the Cauvery at T. Narasipura is posing a threat to the bridge on the river on the outskirts of this historic temple town.

Experts fear that the mining of sand, which is taking place very close to the bridge, is posing a danger to the structure. Sand mining has been banned in 1 km vicinity of any bridge in the State.

While sand mining was hitherto done during the night, people say that those who are involved in this illegal activity have started lifting sand even during the day. This, they point out, is being done in blatant violation of the law.

Expressing fear over the survival of the bridge, the people of T. Narasipura note that it is their only link to travel to Mysore and Bangalore. The bridge is already in a dilapidated condition, according to reports.

Sand mining has also put the lives of labourers involved in the activity at risk. The sand is being mined from the centre of the river by these labourers.

The people complain that the craters left behind after sand has been lifted is either filled by slush or weed. Also, they point out that the river loses its beauty. Mining in the past has left several craters near Sri Gunjanarasimha Swamy Temple and Sri Agastheshwara Temple, according to them.

It is also pertinent to note that the residents of T. Narasipura had organised several agitations seeking the strengthening of the bridge built several decades ago. Urging the authorities to stop the mining of sand from the riverbed, the residents have said that it is important to prevent the bridge from collapsing due to such mining acts.

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