CCTV Cameras to Curb Illegal Sand Mining Near Bridges: Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
To curb this, the minister ordered CCTV surveillance on both sides of key bridges, including the Addoor Bridge, to ensure continuous monitoring.
Mangaluru: In a move to prevent illegal sand mining that weakens bridges, District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed authorities to install CCTV cameras on both sides of bridges constructed over rivers along highways and main roads in Dakshina Kannada district.
During his inspection of the strengthening work on the Polali-Addoor state highway bridge on Wednesday, the minister instructed officials to take necessary measures.
“Complaints have been received regarding sand extraction near river bridges, weakening their structures. As per regulations, sand extraction within a 500-meter radius of a bridge is prohibited. However, recent incidents indicate that illegal sand mining is causing structural damage to bridges,” he said.
To curb this, the minister ordered CCTV surveillance on both sides of key bridges, including the Addoor Bridge, to ensure continuous monitoring.
The Addoor bridge strengthening project is currently being carried out at a cost of Rs 6.10 crore. Additionally, in response to public demand for a new bridge, the minister has instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to submit a proposal for its construction.
MLA Manjunath Bhandari, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, former minister Ramanath Rai, and other officials were present during the inspection.
