Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 22: The district committee of the BJP here, on Thursday, September 21, blamed the district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai for the disruptions in construction activities caused by sand scarcity.

"The crisis is due to a slowdown in the supply of river sand," said party district president Sajeev Mathandoor,  addressing a press conference, here.

"The crisis has jeopardised the livelihood of tens of thousands of workers and their families. At the same time, sand is illegally exported from the district to other parts of the state. This raises suspicions about the involvement of the district police in the illegal trade.

Threatens protest against flawed sand policy

"Thousands have submitted applications seeking permission to extract sand. But the district administration has not yet permitted them. Due to this, applicants suffer. But the sand mafia carries on with its business fearlessly. The district administration should put an end to the mafia as soon as possible, and create a sand policy that is helpful to the commoners looking to build a house. The government should also consider supplying sand at a concessional rate to the poorer section and the beneficiaries of the EMS Housing Scheme. If not, the BJP will hold a district-wide protest regarding the issue."

He further said, "The district administration has started issuing notices to farmers to vacate the government land which the farmers sought ownership. Farmers from Sullia and Belthangady have already received notices. The administration should stop such acquisitions and grant to the farmers the land they have been using for agriculture. BJP's farmers' wing, Kisan Sabha, will hold a meeting with officials on behalf of farmers, regarding the issue."

Kishore Rai, district secretary, Namitha Shyam, BJP Mahila Morcha, and Sanjay Prabhu were present.