Pics: Joshwa D'souza

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Nov 30: "If the district administration does not curb the sand mafia which is a threat to people of the district, series of protests will be held," said former minister Krishna J Palemar.

Addressing the media persons in the city on Wednesday November 30, Palemar said “The sand mafia has grown dangerously in the district. The sand is taken to Bengaluru and Kerala with no regard for regulations. When complaints are given to the mining and geology officers, they register FIR and keep quite. When asked about the progress, they say that in spite of the FIR, sand is transported to Bengaluru and Kerala.”

“When complained, no response comes from district in-charge minister or the deputy commissioner (DC). The person who gives the complaint against the illegal transportation gets life threat. So the in-charge minister and the people's representatives must listen to the grievance of people and stop the mafia. If the district administration does not curb the mafia within a month, we will come to the streets and stage vigorous protests." Palemar warned.

Speaking about the development works in the city, Palemar said that all the work by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and some other wings have come to a standstill. Since there is no chairman for MUDA, no meetings have been convened since three months. Hence the DC must intervene and solve the problem.” he said.

Rajesh Kottary and Dr Bharat Shetty were present.