Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 15: "Sand scarcity in the city has affected the construction business causing misery to people. The common man cannot buy sand to build his house. Due to sand scarcity development works and road repair work within MCC limits have stopped," said Akshith Suvarna, district president of JD(S) youth wing.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday March 15, he said, "Using single permit, several loads of sand are being transported to various parts of the state. Due to scarcity, sand prices have gone up and so the rich are able to buy sand for Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,000 per load, while the poor are unable to afford it.

"Within 15 days the district administration should make sand available at an affordable price for the people. If not, JD(S) youth wing will hold a protest against the district administration in front of the DC's office," he warned.

Condemning the felling of trees at Kadri Park for the construction of a musical fountain, he said, "Several trees have been felled for the construction of the proposed musical fountain at the old deer park. What is the the forest minister (Ramanath Rai) doing when so many trees are being chopped for various projects in the district? The MCC has failed to carry out any useful development work."

Corporator Aziz Kudroli, Ram Ganesh, Shrinath Rai, Nasir, Rathnakar Suvarana and others were present.