Miners call for legalisation of trade; cite difficulties in agriculture

Revenue Department personnel, headed by Devanahalli Tahsildar Dr N C Venkataraju on Sunday, raided illegal sand mining units for the second time in the past two weeks. The raids began at 6:30 am and lasted until 1 pm. Using earth movers, the team destroyed all units and seized a pumpset used for mining operations. Venkataraju recommended that the deputy commissioner acquire the two acres of land where illegal sand mining is taking place. “Following this, we will lodge complaints with police against those involved in mining,” he told Deccan Herald.