Mangaluru: The introduction of technology to bring in transparency in the sand extraction and mining sector using real-time accounting of payment has turned out to be a bane, especially for quarry owners and those extracting sand.The DMG-ILMS (khanija) is a portal where stakeholders are supposed to login using particulars assigned to each one of them and make payments after which a virtual permit book is generated. The users are supposed to update all requisite details pertaining to sand extraction from the site itself, after which they are allowed to transport the sand that has been extracted.In addition to real-time payment accounting, the system also intends at royalty pass and mineral transportation, curbing illegal mining by using automated system, delivering effective and hassle-free mineral administration, ensuring faster processing to ensure timely delivery of services, and e-services for all stakeholders.Functionaries of the quarry owners association have however complained that the website is more often than not defunct and has been causing great inconvenience to business.Vincent Neeliraya, secretary, Quarry Owners Association, told TOI that though the e-system will help maintain transparency and a hassle-free business, the website either doesn’t load or crashes during interaction. “Because of this, we are unable to upload details from the site. Transporting sand from the site to destination without requisite documents is deemed illegal. We are in a fix,” he said.A good internet connection is needed for the website to load properly. The association members said as most of the sand extraction takes place in rural areas where internet connectivity is yet to get a boost, visiting the website to put in details becomes an uphill task.“Previously, people employed by the department used to visit the place where sand extraction is taking place, value the pit of the quarry and facilitate the next course of action. Though the new system is good, it is rendered inefficient due to technical reasons. Ultimately, it is quarry owners and sand extractors who bear the brunt,” he said.

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