Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi(HB)
Udupi, Jan 28: Maralu Horata Samiti, Udupi staged indefinite (day-night) protest in front of DC’s office Rajathadri, Manipal here on Monday, January 28 seeking permission to all sand license holders.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat addressing the media persons said, “At present about 46 people have got permission to extract sand. The earlier availed 16,000 tons of sand has become empty. Coastal people are not getting sufficient sand and no developments are happening in the city. Karnataka Commercial and Industry Department sent a letter to district administration on January 14, 2019 to identify the traditional sand extractors and to approve permission for the sand bar removal with conditions. Many meetings have been done and a delegation has met State minister. But still we are facing hurdles everywhere.”
“In addition, after 14 days, deputy commissioner Priyanka Francis did not convene a single meeting to discuss on circulation, sent by mining department. It has given permission to additional 26 licenses. If they granted more licenses, the demand will get decreased. District administration should get approval (NOC) from the Karnataka Coast Zone Management (KCZM) first. It is its responsibility too. Whatever sand is available now, it is smuggled. The price of sand is increasing up to Rs 15,000 for three units,” the MLA complained.
“The district administration cancelled leases of 70 holders. This decision was taken in a meeting consisting a seven member committee. We were fed up by statements on Non-CRZ. It is not yet finalized. Another 25 lakh tons of sand available is under CRZ, but the authority showed in report which sent to KCZM that only 13 lakhs tons of sand is eligible. Mining minister Rajashekhar and Chief Minister Kumaraswamy exceeded their support by intervening in the issue. The people representatives have won against democracy and administrative class. The construction has completely collapsed in Udupi. It should give permission to extract sand in eco sensitive area,” he asserted.
DC has to come to a decision on issuing license for 171 persons (license holders).
Chandra Poojary said, “The district administration imposed fine on around 250 lorries for violating the GPS rules. It did not allowing to set up new GPS. We are facing dark days today.”
Opposition party Leader Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “I will support protest and stand with them, until final decision comes. On Tuesday, Minister for Mining will likely to on January 29 to Udupi. Let form a complete plan’, he added.
Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, former MPs Jayaprakash Hegde, Congress leader Devi Prasad Shetty, JD(S) district activists Sablady Manjayya Shetty and members of CMC, members of Karnataka Rakshana vedike, Pradeep Shetty of Engineers Association Brahmavar zone, Gururaj of Kundapur Engineers' Association, M Gopal Bhat of Engineers Association, Jerry Vincent Dias of Builders Association, Praveen Suvarna, of Owners and drivers of Lorry Association, Katapadi Chandra Poojary, Raghavendra Shetty, Vishwanath Shetty, Sharath Shetty, R Ashwath, Uday Kumar, Dinakar Babu, Zilla panchayat president, Kundapura Sharath Shetty, Kulakar Shetty, Larry Malakar and Chalakar Sangh, Rajesh Shetty of Brahmavar, Divakar Shetty Nelady, President of Byndoor Zone Lorry Owner, Udupi District BJP president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde among others present.