News and pics: Pareekshith Shet

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Mar 14: Backward class Morcha district president and MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary has said that large scale protests are scheduled in front of the office of deputy commissioner on March 16 opposing
what they termed as irresponsible sand policy of the state government and Udupi district administration.

Addressing the press conference, he said that the state government is confused with sand policy. “People have become helpless without getting sand. Ashraya shelters of the poor, Basava Vasathi houses, toilets for common men, rural roads, different building and other development works have become stagnant without sand. As the district administration and state government has not got a clear idea regarding the sand policy, ordinary people are unable to get sand for their basic needs,” he said.

“Though 18 blogs were identified in CRZ limits of Udupi district and permitted sand mining, their license has expired on January 22. Sand mining has stopped as the licenses were not renewed on time. The
district administration had not submitted the proposal on time. The work on seven thousand buildings all over Udupi has stopped due to confusion in sand policy. Instead of setting right the system, the state government has released an irresponsible statement that sand will be supplied from Uttara Kannada,” he said.

“The department of mining has paid more than Rs 5.96 crore royalty to the state government. 25% of that amount which is Rs 1.56 crore has to be released to Grama panchayat. It has not yet come. The confusion of sand policy has converted it as a big business. The district administration should wake up from its slumber and set right the sand policy within a week,” he urged.

Raghavendra Kini of BJP Yuva Morcha and former Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon were present at the news conference.

“May the budget that will be presented by CM Siddaramaih on March 18 be a budget of hope for fishermen and the working class,” said MLC Kota Srinivasa Poojary.

Speaking at the conference he said facilities for the fishermen in the coastal region should be increased. “The amount paid for the houses of fishermen should also be increased. The amount of Rs 10 crore set aside to lend loans of Rs 50 thousands each at 2% interest to contract fishermen should be utilized this time. 43 taluks including Brahmavara and Bailur should be announced. The Sakala project should be extended till Sachivalaya,” he urged.