News and pics: Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Jan 12: A traditional sand miners association was formed here on the evening of Wednesday, January 11 for sand miners to campaign for their cause, concerning the hardships faced after the sand-mining activity was banned.

In a simple programme held near Kundapur- Anagalli bridge, advocate Sridhar Mogaveera after inaugurating the association said that it is unfortunate that the government and the departments are creating hurdles for sand mining.

“Sand is essential for any projects and Grama panchayat used to decide about plans for sand mining earlier. However, the new laws have created a barrier for sand mining. The district administration and the district-in-charge minister should have attended to the problem. It is necessary to find out what the district-in-charge minister, and the deputy commissioner who should have intensified the district administrative machinery, do with respect to this matter, and find their reason for their passivity. In the circumstances, besides registering the association, they should attend to the problems of the people," he further added.

He called on the association to not go against the democratic intent and try to get the problem solved without violence.

Vikas Hegde presided over the programme. Rajiv Shetty delivered the keynote address. President of Basrur grama panchayat Santhosh Kumar, entrepreneur Ashwath Kumar, Taluk panchayat member Ram Kishan Hegde, president of the association Ramakrishan Poojary, and others were present.