Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 29: The district BJP unit conducted a protest against the anti people sand policy of the state government here, at DC office on March 29.

Addressing a gathering, the south block president of BJP, Ravi Shankar Mijar said, "There are just two months left for the rainy season. At this time construction and repair works are at their peak, but due to the new policy introduced by the government there has been artificial scarcity of sand in the district. Labourers from Bijapur, Hubli and other places come here to earn their livelihood, but now due to scarcity of sand all the people working in the construction industry are facing a tough time."

"On the other hand, sand is easily available to the sand mafias which is transported to Kerala and other places. The district administration and district incharge minister have joined hands with this mafia. If the sand problem in the district is not solved at the earliest then BJP will conduct intense protests."

Corporator Sudhir Shetty Kannur said, "Since congress government has come to power there have been many problems in the district due to their wrong policies. Due to the new sand mining policy, there has been artificial scarcity of sand in the district. Sand is an essential material in construction. Since there is scarcity of sand many workers who depend on the construction industry are unable to earn their livelihood. The followers of the district incharge minister are involved in sand mafia which illegally transports sand to other states. When police officials catch trucks illegally transporting sand, the district incharge minister pressurizes the police to release them."

Mangaluru city corporation has received many grants from various schemes, but due to the scarcity of sand these works are stalled. We demand the state government to withdraw this new sand policy and make the availability of sand easier. We are now cautioning you, but in the coming days we will conduct intense protests."

Deputy mayor, Sumithra Kariya, Corporator Roopa D Bangera and others were present.