Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 25: An app for laterite stone supply, similar to the Sand Bazaar model, will soon be introduced with government-fixed rates to ensure timely and affordable delivery of laterite stones, announced Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Khader said that laterite stone quarrying has developed over time based on local traditions. “Laws can be changed, but traditions cannot. The government will implement certain regulations to ensure that laterite stones are made accessible to the general public,” he said.
He noted that the coastal region has high salinity and experiences heavy rain and strong winds. Hence, for safety reasons, homes and buildings in the region are predominantly built using laterite stones. “To make laterite stones available at affordable prices to the public, the system must be streamlined. Rules related to quarry lease processes will be simplified, and a single-window policy will be implemented. A set of guidelines will be prepared and enforced shortly,” Khader added.
Khader also addressed the public demand for sand from CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) areas due to its superior quality. “Earlier, the late Oscar Fernandes had obtained special permission from the central government to enable sand mining in CRZ areas. In the same manner, discussions will be held with MPs Brijesh Chowta and Kota Srinivas Poojary, and all local MLAs will be taken to Delhi to urge Union Ministers for similar approvals,” he said.
He further informed that tenders have already been floated for sand mining in non-CRZ areas. Applications received are being processed, and pending ones will be addressed to facilitate sand extraction.
Earlier, the BJP had criticized the state government over the ongoing shortage of laterite stone and sand, which has severely impacted the construction industry for the past two months.
Satish Kumpala, BJP Dakshina Kannada district president, accused the government of being blind to the plight of thousands of workers in the construction sector. “This government is clearly anti-poor and indifferent to their livelihood. Meetings are being held by district in-charge ministers and the Speaker just for show, without any resolution to the issue,” he alleged.
He warned that if the issue is not resolved within a week, the BJP would launch a public protest.
MP Brijesh Chowta also condemned the state government, stating that anti-people and anti-labour policies under the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government have made it nearly impossible to obtain laterite stones and sand for construction purposes.
“Neither the district in-charge minister, nor the mining minister, nor any concerned departments have taken appropriate action. Immediate intervention is necessary to protect the interests of the construction sector and its workers. If the problem is not resolved promptly, we will be compelled to launch an intense agitation,” he warned.