LDA requests government for more powers

LDA requests government for more powers

Vijay Times News

Bangalore: Concerned over the increase in cases of illegal sand mining in the State, the Lake Development Authority (LDA) has sought more power from the Government to curb such activities.

According to a recent proposal sent to the State Government for approval, the LDA will act as a nodal agency to allot sand-mining contracts and bring in revenue to the State ex-chequer.

The proposal stated that the silt extracted from lakes by the LDA could be auctioned and used for construction. Deputy Conservator of Forest (LDA), Vanashree Vipin Singh, said many contractors on the City outskirts were unaware about the impact of sand mining on the environment. "Contractors obtain permission for sand mining from local village panchayats that have no authority in this regard. Such activities cause imbalance in the ecology and result in heavy loss to Government revenue. Scientific sand mining by the LDA will keep lakes and other water bodies healthy. We are also planning to intensify checks on these activities," Vanashree said.