Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (ANK)

Udupi, Jun 26: Udupi district deputy commissioner (DC), G Jagadeesha, said, “The district administration will not allow any illegal activities in the district. Misinformation is being conveyed to public."

Addressing the media on Friday June 26, he said, “The youth Congress had conducted a press conference pertaining to sand issue, where wrong information was conveyed to the general public. The city municipality had invited tenders which were finalised in March first week. The commissioner of city municipality had also issued notice to the tender holders stating that tender term had expired and government’s tender term has also been terminated which brought an end to the relationship between the contractor and the government.

“The district administration has already taken measures to take stringent action against those who illegally extracted sand from Swarna river during the lockdown. Five vehicles have been seized and a complaint has also been filed in the court. I have already recommended to the government to take disciplinary action against the officials of mines and geology department for showing negligence. We have also filed a theft case at Hiriadka police station after getting information of sand theft.

“I want to make it clear to the people that the district administration will not allow such illegal activities to take place. The Lokayukta had visited the district based upon the complaint filed. We have reported to the government and Lokayukta about the action taken by district administration. We will welcome the decision taken by Lokayukta,” said the DC.

When asked about alleged dereliction of duty by the DC, Jagadeesha said, “Whatever the DC is expected to do, I have done. We conducted meeting and gave responsibility to other officials. We are in a situation created by corona. The DC cannot go and keep a watch on every river where sand is being extracted. I have given certain responsibilities to other officials. If they fail to discharge responsibilities and make way for issues, action will be taken against them."