Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Aug 2: “Poor people are unable to construct houses because of sand problem. We have brought to the notice of the chief minister that there have been confusion for the last three years because of scarcity of sand. The chief minister has responded to it assuring that he will come to Udupi next month to discuss and solve the problem. If the problem persists, as opposition party, we will do our work,” said opposition leader in Vidhana Parishat, Kota Srinivas Poojary.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Basrur Mahalingeshwara temple, he said that sand in the district should be available for the district. He said, “Sand should not go out of the district. Its income should be available for the district. Confusions are natural in every district which the administration should solve. Sand was available here in the past and poor people could construct houses. A policy that is conducive to ordinary people should be formed in the future also.
“There were thefts in several temples including Basrur temple. Professional thieves are involved in it. As many as 34,000 temples in the state are coming under religious endowment department. Large amount of money has remained in the department without use. Therefore, government should stress on security of temples. It should install CC TV cameras and appoint security staff. Some temples are not able to appoint security staff as their income is low. Therefore, government should look into it. Police department also should come forward to nab the thieves. I will be discussing these things with the chief minister and home minister.”
“Thefts have occurred in several temples in Udupi. Police department is already investigating those. Forensic experts and dog squad are used. I will speak to senior police officers today itself,” he said.
Asked about candidates for Udupi Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, he said that they will work for the candidate to whom the party gives the ticket. “Amith Shah distributes tickets. The party takes a decision regarding the candidate. We work like ordinary activists,” he said.
Basrur Mahalingeshwara temple managing trustee B Appanna Hegde brought to the notice of opposition party leader about problems in the district due to non-availability of sand. Taluk panchayat member Ram Kishan Hegde and BJP leaders were present.