Mangaluru : Revenue officials with the help of the police stopped vehicles that were carrying sand far beyond the prescribed limits. As many as 75 vehicles were seized in the operation that was held in different parts of the district on Monday.

Recently, Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim had issued guidelines to regulate sand extraction and transportation. One condition was to allow the transportation of only 10 tonnes of sand in a lorry for which permit has been issued. The Mines and Geology Department had been asked to install closed circuit television cameras for strict vigil on the trucks.

In surprise checks carried out across the district, Mr. Ibrahim said that trucks were found to be carrying 200 per cent more than the permitted load.

“Trucks were allowed to carry 10 per cent more than the permitted load. But this was far above,” said Mr. Ibrahim. As many as 12 vehicles were seized in Bantwal. As many as 18 trucks were seized in Sullia, 17 near Samjape in Puttur taluk.

In Mangaluru as many as 18 trucks were seized.

Trucks were found transporting sand in excess of permitted load in Moodbidri and Belthangady, but were fined and let go, Mr. Ibrahim said.

Mr. Ibrahim said that action would be taken to cancel the permits of all 75 vehicles seized for the alleged illegal transportation of sand.