Mangaluru : Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim on Saturday claimed that sand extraction from rivers within coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) has come to a halt with effect from January end for want of clearance from various agencies.

Clearance is awaited for about 19 sand blocks identified in Netravati and Gurupura rivers from the National Green Tribunal. Thereafter, the Centre has to clear the proposal following which the State-level Environment Impact Assessment Committee has to give a go ahead to allot the blocks. The process of allotting sand blocks in non-CRZ areas is on and Monday is the last date to submit tenders seeking allotment.