Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Jan 28: State minister for mines and geology Halappa Basappa Achar has warned the zilla panchayat officials here to complete sand block tender process within a week or face termination from duties.

Addressing a review meeting held at the zilla panchayat office here on Friday, January 28, Halappa said, "As per the direction of the court, the e-tendering process has continued for 30 sand blocks under CRZ. However, the tendering process for 20 sand blocks is incomplete which shows lethargy on the part of the officials. If this process is not completed within a week then the concerned district officials will be terminated from their duties."

When MLA Umanath Kotian and Rajesh Naik demanded that they be included in the committee monitoring extraction of sand and illegal sand transportation, Minister said, "As per the guidelines of central government a seven-member committee has already been formed. If there is a scope to include a local MLA , measures will be taken."

Measures have been taken to provide all kind of facilities including computers in all 30 district mines and geology departments, said mines and geology department director Dr Ramprasad Manohar.

Zilla Panchayath CEO Dr Kumar, police commissioner N Shashikumar, MLA U T Khader and others were present.