The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Drive against sand-mining

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Sunday, May 11, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Drive against sand-mining

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Revenue Department on Saturday conducted raids at 1,750 locations across the State against unauthorised sand-mining, removal of earth and filling up of paddy fields. Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran said that offenders had been fined more than Rs.23 lakhs in the raids, undertaken with the assistance of police. The amount included money received upon auction of seized sand. In the raids, 210 lorry loads of sand were seized besides 416 vehicles, 27 boats, one jet pump and two machines used for cutting stones. Sand was yet to be auctioned off in some places.

Raids were continuing in some districts and cases registered so far in the State came to 416. The largest number of raids was conducted in Malappuram district. In an official release, the Minister congratulated the officials who participated in the raids and called for continuation of the raids with dedication.

54 trucks seized

Staff Reporter writes from Kollam: In a move against unauthorised sand-mining, 54 trucks and two country boats were seized on Saturday. The seized sand was auctioned for Rs.1.87 lakh.

District Collector A. Shajahan said raids were conducted simultaneously at five taluks. Nine teams conducted the raids at 52 locations. As many as 33 trucks from Kollam taluk, 12 from Kunnathur, seven from Kottarakara and two from Pathanapuram were seized.

The two boats were from Karunagapally taluk. Two jack hammers were also seized from Kunnathur.

The Collector said 100 cases were registered. A fine of Rs.6 lakh would be slapped on those concerned for the release of the trucks.

Two held

Staff Reporter writes from Pathanamthitta: A joint team of the Revenue and Police departments led by M.J. Jaya Singh, Thiruvalla tahsildar, and K. Saleem, Pulikeeezhu Sub-Inspector, seized a sand-laden lorry and arrested two persons from Parumala on Saturday.

Raids in Kottayam

Staff Reporter in Kottayam writes: Revenue authorities on Saturday conducted raids against sand-mining in the district and seized 13 vehicles carrying sand or red earth. In an operation, 56 raids were conducted during the day. Seventeen cases were registered, said District Collector Sharmila Mary Joseph.

According to P.G. Thomas, RDO, Kottayam, three lorries carrying sand were confiscated, one from Peroor and two from Nattakom.

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