Karnataka Home Minister Exposes Widespread Political Involvement in Illegal Sand Mining
In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka's political circles, Home Minister G Parameshwara openly admitted in the legislative assembly on Tuesday that "big people from all parties" are deeply involved in the state's illegal sand mining operations. Describing it as a "big racket" that is "embarrassing" the government, the minister's statements have brought the controversial issue back into sharp focus.
Legislator Faces Threats from Sand Mafia
The minister was responding to concerns raised by Karemma Nayak, the JD(S) legislator from Devadurga, who detailed her harrowing experiences while attempting to curb illegal sand mining along the Krishna River in Raichur district. "I have been followed and threatened by sand mafia operatives for trying to end this illegal activity," Nayak disclosed, highlighting the dangerous environment surrounding the issue.
She elaborated on the persistent nature of the problem in her constituency, stating that despite repeated complaints, illegal sand mining continues unabated. "Sand is illegally mined during the night from Krishna River and transported using JCBs and tippers. I receive numerous complaints from farmers as the mining covers their crops in dust," she explained, painting a vivid picture of the environmental and agricultural damage.
Government's Response and Action Plan
In his reply, Home Minister Parameshwara acknowledged that the issue is not confined to Devadurga but is a statewide menace. "I have not shared details of who is involved and who the leader is. It is a big racket. Big people from all parties are involved... It is embarrassing," he reiterated, stopping short of naming individuals but confirming widespread political complicity.
The minister outlined the government's planned response:
- He will soon convene a meeting to decide how police should tackle the issue effectively.
- He assured that there would be no mercy shown to those involved in illegal activities.
- He promised to consult legislators from affected districts before making final decisions.
Parameshwara also referenced existing mechanisms under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, noting that committees comprising officials including deputy commissioners and police are tasked with taking action. "When a complaint is filed, police act on it," he stated, while admitting that "sometimes there are lapses." He pledged to ensure these systems work properly, emphasizing that "there is no question of compromising on this issue."
Broader Implications and Historical Context
The issue of illegal sand mining in Karnataka has deeper roots and significant financial implications. Karemma Nayak pointed out that "big hands are behind it as illegal mining means money," resulting in substantial loss of royalty for the government. This concern was previously highlighted in October last year when Basavaraj Rayareddi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's economic adviser, accused officials of shielding the sand mafia.
Rayareddi alleged in a letter to the CM that the state was losing over Rs 400 crore annually in royalty due to corrupt officials and mafia elements plundering natural resources. He questioned why sand royalty couldn't be collected as efficiently as income tax or GST and flagged additional issues including:
- Routine bribery in the mines and geology department and police.
- Rampant illegal sand transport from Koppal.
- Illegal granite mining in several areas.
Home Minister Parameshwara concluded with assurances of protection for all legislators, not just those from Devadurga, and mentioned that the government has already deployed a special sand task force in the area. "We have booked as many as 342 matka cases and 199 gambling cases," he reported, indicating some enforcement actions are underway, though the core issue of political involvement in sand mining remains unresolved.
