**HAVERI SUGAR CRISIS: GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL SAND MINING AND GAMBLING**
The Haveri district in Karnataka is facing a crisis due to widespread illegal sand mining, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing drought in the region. The government has taken action against the illegal sand mining, which has been a major concern for the district administration for some time.

• Minister Shivanand Patil has directed officials, including the DC, SP, and mines department officers, to take action against illegal sand mining.
• The minister has noted that the illegal sand extraction from the Varada and Tungabhadra rivers has been widespread and involves alleged involvement of police, revenue, and mining officers.
• The minister has ordered that officers involved in illegal sand mining should be suspended.

The minister has also voiced concerns about gambling activities in the district, indicating poor police performance. He has instructed the higher police officials to curb such illegal activities in the district.

Senior Geologist Naveen SG has responded that the department has initiated action for 12 mining leases in the district. He stated that technical bids were finalised and legal sand excavation would commence soon. He added that multiple cases were registered against illegal mining operations and substantial quantities of sand were confiscated. The minister has also expressed concern about illegal PDS rice storage. He has criticised the food and civil supply department for allowing such practices to continue.

“Illegal PDS rice storage is a serious issue. We need to ensure that the public is not cheated,” said Minister Shivanand Patil.

Regarding the forest department’s alleged failure to address wild animal attacks on crops, particularly elephant sightings in Shiggaon and Hangal taluk, DCF Abdul Aziz stated that compensation was distributed for crop damage and complaints were being addressed promptly. The review meeting also included discussions on other issues, such as the alleged failure of the mining department to allocate sand for local construction projects.

MLAs React to the Minister’s Inquiries

• Basavaraj Shivannavar MLA expressed his support for the minister’s efforts to curb illegal sand mining and gambling.
• UB Banakar MLA said that the government needs to take action against those responsible for the drought in the region.
• Srinivas Mane MLA stated that the forest department needs to take more effective measures to address wild animal attacks on crops.

The review meeting was attended by various MLAs, officials, and representatives of the industry. The meeting was seen as a positive step towards addressing the issues facing the district.