Mangaluru : Democratic Youth Federation of India activists on Thursday carried out a protest against alleged illegal sand extraction at Pavoor Uliya Kudru, which, they said was causing threat to houses in Uliya Kudru, an island, and also to the ecosystem.

Addressing the protesters, DYFI State president Muneer Katipalla held elected representatives of the district responsible for the rampant illegal sand extraction in Pavoor as it was being run by followers of the elected representatives. There was laxity on the part of district administration in controlling sand extraction, which, was being allowed contrary to the norms that have been laid down, he said.

Mr. Katipalla alleged that dredging machines were being used for extraction of sand from the Netravathi. “Those fighting for saving the river should pay attention to such violation that was leading to total destruction of the river,” he said. The sand extracted from the island was being sent to other parts of the State.