Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 26: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel alleged that sand mafia is ruling over the administration in Dakshina Kannada district.

Addressing media here on Friday, October 26, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "Dakshina Kannada is facing severe sand drought. Sand is being transported illegally to the neighbouring state and Congress is supporting this activity. BJP has won seven assembly constituencies in the district. Is this the punishment for the voters of the district, who voted for the BJP?”

Sand Mafia

“There is no sand available to construct houses and apartments. Despite several memorandums given regarding this issue, the chief minister has failed to resolve the issue. This indicates that the sand mafia is the shots in the district," he added.

Shiradi Ghat

Continuing his accusation, Nalin said, "Dakshina Kannada is facing problem in land conversion, due to which people are not able to sell or buy the land. Shiradi Ghat is concretised and vehicular movement has started. However, trucks of 18-tonne weight or more are not allowed on the ghat and the business in the district has been affected by this. The government has failed to find a permanent solution in this regard,"

Arecanut

"We demand the government to announce a special package for arecanut growers. Fruit Rot of areca nut, caused by the fungus, is a serious disease that could lead to great economic losses. So a survey needs to be conducted and scientists should analyze the losses that have occurred due to this disease. The government has announced a special package to coffee growers. Similarly, we demand the government to announce a package for arecanut growers," Nalin added.

Pump flyover and tollgates

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel also said, "NHAI is taking over the work in a speedy manner from Talapady to Kundapur. Regarding the flyover work in Pumpwell and at Thokkottu, frequent meetings are held and it has resulted in speedy work. In January 2019, Pumpwell flyover will be completed. The letter is written to the concerned to close down the tollgate at Mukka and BC Road and the process is on for the same."

Slaughterhouse

Regarding the new slaughterhouse, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "Minister Khader has written the letter to the Center questioning about the Smart City guidelines. The project is implemented without bringing the issue to the council meeting. I will write a letter to the Prime Minister to review the matter as there is a clear scope for corruption in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) and misuse of the Smart City funds,"

Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, Puttur MLA Sanjeev Matandoor, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, District BJP general secretary Capt Brijesh Chowta and others were present.