KSHRC directs Mines and Geology dept. to stop illegal sand extraction in Charmady after residents’ complaint

The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) directed the District Mines and Geology department not to allow illegal sand extraction in Charmady village of Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada, following a complaint by residents about the threat to ecology.

During the hearing of pending cases in Mangaluru, KSHRC acting chairperson T. Sham Bhatt and member S.K. Vantigodi told senior geologist G.U. Sandeep that the complaint by residents in 2023 about illegal sand extraction in the area had affected the lives of those living on the river bank and also caused harm to the ecology

Mr. Sandeep said no permission was given in the area for extraction of sand. There was no illegal extraction of sand at present in that area.

On the other complaint about illegal extraction of laterite stones from a place in Punacha in Bantwal taluk, Mr. Sandeep noted that the illegality has been noticed and that necessary action was being taken.

Regarding the demand for an increase in the compensation by homemaker Ashwini, who lost her two legs in the landslip that damaged her house in Manjanady in 2025, Mr. Bhatt said the State government has already paid a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the death of her two children and ₹2.5 lakh for her disability. After getting a report from the Dakshina Kannada district administration, the KSHRC will take a decision on recommending the government to pay additional compensation to Ms. Ashwini.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari said a report has been sought from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathakal, about the road work near Ashwini’s house, as the latter has alleged that the haphazard way of road work led to landslip. The NITK’s report will be placed before the KSHRC, he said.

In response to the complaint regarding the medical officer at a primary health centre, where two pregnancy tests were incorrectly reported as positive, District Health Officer H. Thimmaiah stated that necessary disciplinary action has been implemented against the medical officer.

Mr. Bhatt said compliance reports by the government have been filed in 27 cases of Dakshina Kannada, with only two cases still pending.