Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 21: "Sand shortage problem will be solved in the district within a month. Till then, steps have been taken to see that sand shortage does not hit government works, Ashraya houses and other house construction activities," said Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC), Sasikanth Senthil.

Speaking at a press meet held in the city on Thursday September 20, the DC stated that tenders had been called thrice for 22 sand blocks including in Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) limits, but sand extraction has begun in only two blocks.

"Many contractors have not evinced interest in getting tender contract because of strict rules governing the issue. We have sent recommendation to the government for relaxing some of the norms and we hope to get approval for the same soon. Survey work is now in progress in CRZ limits and once the report gets nod of Karnataka Coastal Zone Management Authority, the work of extraction of sand will begin," he explained.

Senthil stated that it has been requested to assess reasons for reduction of water level in rivers in the district and that a report will be received within two to three days.

He said that there is a chance that water level went down because of construction of smaller dams across the rivers at various places. "On the basis of the report, steps would be taken to address the issue of water management," he explained.