Bishop Interacts with People of Pavoor-Uliya Village Facing Problems due to Sand Mining
Mangaluru Diocese Bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, along with members of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Parliamentary Secretary to Revenue Minister & MLC Ivan D’souza, AC Ravichandra Nayak, District Taluk President Monu, Grama Panchayath President Firoz, MCC Bank President Anil Lobo, Catholic Sabha President Rolphy D’Costa, Bantwal Varado President Stany Lobo, all the Catholic Sabha Office Bearers, Parish Vice President Gilbert, Ward Gurkars Interacted with People of Pavoor Village who are Facing Problems due to Sand Mining.
Mangaluru: Few days ago Grama Ulisi Horata Samithi had raised their voices against the illegal sand mining that is going on under the hands of sand mafia. Secretary of the Samithi, Hussain Bava Innoli speaking to media had said that illegal sand mining is being carried out in CRZ area in Innoli of Pavoor village and the sand is being illegally stored at Arkula in Adyar. The contractors have taken the permission for the land which does not come under CRZ limits and are engaged in sand mining in the CRZ limits. He added saying “With the sand mining, which is being carried out unabated in the region, the wells have become polluted with the intrusion of salt water. There are over 50 wells in the region and over 500 acre farm land. Once the salt water intrudes into farm land, then all the grown crops will be damaged and no crops can be grown. Already three wells in Natarakodi and Killur have started getting salt water. Once the salt water intrudes into the well, then the well becomes a waste. We are scared of all the wells getting polluted with salt water.”
He had further said: “We are opposed to the system wherein PWD will auction sand slabs. If the rules come into force, then we can not take the sand which is in our own land. We will have to purchase it from the contractor, which is highly ridiculous. We will approach the court if the authorities fail to stop sand mining in the region.” He said sand is a natural resource which is being looted by the sand miners. Motor is fixed to the boat which is used for mining, which is also illegal. Meanwhile, Pavoor Gram Panchayat President Abdul Khader said those who are involved in sand mining have failed to take NoC from the Gram Panchayat. The villagers said that they had submitted their memorandum to DC and other officers concerned. However, no action has been taken to check sand mining in the region so far.
Now it was the turn of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh which arranged a visit to Pavoor Uliya on Tuesday, 29 January 2019 to address the issues and problem faced by the residents. The Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, MLC and Parliamentary Secretary to Revenue Minsiter Ivan D’souza, AC Ravichandra Nayak, District Taluk President Monu, Grama Panchayath President Firoz, MCC Bank President Anil Lobo, Catholic Sabha President Rolphy D’Costa, Bantwal Varado President Stany Lobo and all the Catholic Sabha Office Bearers, Parish Vice President Gilbert. Ward Gurkars and all the Residents of Pavoor Uliya along with Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh members were also present during the interaction
Parish Priest Rev. Fr Gerald Lobo welcomed the gathering and he explained the problem faced by the Uliya residents. A petition outlining problem faced by the residents was handed over to MLC Ivan D’souza. In reply Ivan mentioned that there is a Government Order prohibiting mining around 1 K.M their area, and that he will see that the order is implemented and illegal sand mining is stopped. He also promised the residents that he will try to get the required funds from the government for the development of the island with higher-ups.
AC Ravichandra Nayak addressing the residents said that all the illegal activities have to be stopped and promised his help in stopping these activities. Konaje police station SI put forward his concern that they do not have proper equipment such as boats to catch the culprits along with the boats. He has already raised these issues with his higher authorities by means of letters, but has not received any positive reply from them. Taluk Panchayath President Monu said that he has already allotted Rs 3 lakh towards the bridge construction and it will soon reach the Uliya people.
Catholic Sabha President Rolphy D’Costa assured his full co-operation towards fulfillment of this project and also in stopping the illegal sand drugging. Residents expressed their grievances faced by them due to sand mining and also the inconveniences in reaching the land without a proper bridge, and other hurdles faced by them, and in reply to the Bishop and the other dignitaries present for the interaction pacified them that quick action will be taken to rectify all the problems faced by them. Catholic Sabha Bantwal Varado president Stany Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.
