Expressing displeasure over rampant illegal sand extraction in Gurmitkal Assembly constituency, Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Sharanagowda Kandkur urged the Yadgir district administration to prevent illegal sand extraction.

Discussing the problem in detail with Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tukaram Pandve for over an hour on October 7, Mr. Kandkur spent a significant part of the discussion highlighting how illegal sand mining was growing with each passing day in his constituency.

​Presenting evidence to the DC, Mr. Kandkur alleged that over 35 overloaded tipper trucks were transporting sand daily across Padapalli, Konkal, and surrounding villages with complete impunity. He alleged that many were operating without registration number plates.

​The legislator pointed out that heavy vehicles carrying illegal loads were severely damaging newly-asphalted rural roads constructed at significant public expense. He further alleged that operators were utilising fake royalty receipts to evade regulatory checks.

Urging law enforcement and district authorities to act decisively, Mr. Kandkur demanded that the administration target the key orchestrators and networks behind the scam rather than merely penalising vehicle drivers.

​Addressing allegations regarding graft, the MLA clarified that his office had not entertained any kickback, asserting that he would face any legal inquiry over the issue.

​Shifting focus to environmental concerns, Mr. Kandkur raised an alarm over pollution caused by the Kadechur Badiyal Industrial Area. He noted that industrial effluents discharged from local units were causing severe air pollution and contaminating drinking water sources in nearby habitations. Referring to the recent tragic deaths of three workers at an industrial unit within the zone, he called for a thorough investigation to fix accountability for the incident.

​Responding to the issues, Mr. Pandve assured the legislator that appropriate measures would be taken to address both illegal sand extraction and pollution concerns, after an inquiry.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kolar was present at the meeting.