Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Oct 14: Mangaluru Civil Contractors' Association staged a protest here at Mini Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday October 14, over non-availability of sand in Dakshina Kannada district.
Addressing the protestors, vice president of Civil Contractors Association Mahabala Kottari said, "Since several months, we are facing acute shortage of sand for construction work. We have been raising our voices, but no policy has not been implemented. After BJP came to power, since 12 months sand is not available. When last renewal came to an end, we had brought it to notice for renewal of licence. It was assured that the licence would be renewed in January earlier this year. Later, the sand was given from non-CRZ which is not fit for construction works and it is available at Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000.
"During lockdown, construction work was stopped for two months. After unlock was implemented, the deputy commissioner and district secretary Ponnuraj urged us to convince the workers not to go to their hometown. At the same time, we urged to renew the licence. But still officials and people's representatives have not acted upon it. The sand, which should be available at Rs 6,000 is available at around Rs 20,000 due to sand mafia.
"Had the people's representatives and officials acted on the issue immediately, we would not have been protesting. Everyone's demand is to make our city smart, but if the officials are not smart enough, is it possible to make this city smart?" Kottari questioned.
Members of the association expressed displeasure over the mafia hovering around sand procurement which makes it hard to avail it.
Member of association, Roy Castelino said, "Sand is a natural resource that is available in coastal belt. Today, we are pushed to a situation where by great difficulty we should avail sand for construction works. The district administration has made our association to protest. The association gives jobs to several people including families from Uttar Pradesh. The district administration is not providing sand. Why we do not get sand during the day which is easily available during night?" he asked.