The Ministry of Environment states that it has decided to re-issue permits to carry out sand mining in the Kalu Ganga for a short period of time with conditions.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau had banned sand mining in a 14 km stretch from the estuary to Nartupana due to excessive sand mining. As a result 246 mining permits after December 31st, 2020 was suspended.
An investigation by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau confirmed that the river had turned to a depth of 12-14 meters at various places in the area. It was also revealed that there was no sand in the area and to stop the sand excavation for some time to prevent the river from deepening and to allow time for the sand deposits to re-form.
However, as a result of this decision, a number of families who made a living from sand mining have become helpless and their families have requested a concessionary solution the Ministry of Environment said adding that it was agreed to issue sand mining permits again on several conditions.
