Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DV)

Udupi, Jan 6: "There is the essential stock of sand to undertake the construction of building works in the district. The public can avail the required sand by applying through the sand app," said deputy commissioner (DC) M Kurma Rao.

He was speaking after presiding over District Task Force Committee meeting on the distribution of sand here on Wednesday January 5.

“The district task force committee has come forward to distribute the sand required for the construction of buildings and other development works transparently as per requirement through the sand application. The public should utilize this opportunity.

“There are complaints that sand is being sold illegally in the district. Take essential precautionary measures to prevent this. Along with checking the GPS system installed in sand transporting vehicles and boats, take action without any hesitation by slapping fines against those who violate the law,” he said.

The DC also directed to installation of CCTV cameras in sand stockyard.

He further said, “In Kundapur, as many as 16 cases were registered and Rs 8 lac has been collected from sand license holders for violation of GPS norms in the boats.

“In Udupi and Brahmavar, three cases were registered and Rs 50,000 has been collected from the violators in fines. Also, 34 cases have been registered against those who illegally stored the sand, and Rs 13 lac fine was imposed against them,” he said.

The DC also asked the revenue department officials to book those who involve in illegal stone mining on government lands.

Kundapur DFO Ashish Reddy, ADC Sadashiva Prabhu, Kundapur AC Raju and others were present.