Only trucks with GPS can transport sand: Ponnuraj

Only trucks with GPS can transport sand: Ponnuraj

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jul 26: District Commissioner V. Ponnuraj said that only trucks with GPS installed in them and painted diamond white on the bonnet and blue on the bumper can transport sand, but trucks violating even one of the rules cannot transport sand. He was speaking to reporters at a press meet after conducting the task force meeting convened by the Joint Action Committee of Sand Contractors, sand boat owners, workers, and building material transporters at the DC’s chamber on July 26, Monday. 

 

 

 

The DC also confirmed that installing GPS in trucks is not enough; the trucks must also have permits to transport sand. If trucks are caught illegally transporting sand to Kerala, their permits will be cancelled, he warned. 

Trucks transporting sand must compulsorily follow the rules regarding paint, stickers, and so on. Until this information is properly conveyed to truck owners, authorities will have to support them and create awareness among them. 

Speaking about the importance of controlling the removal of sand from the harbor, he said trucks installed with GPS can transport sand, granite, stones, and other construction material; but trucks that are not installed with GPS cannot send sand. He said that GPS is essential because it is difficult to track trucks transporting sand. Even bus operators have agreed to install GPS, he informed. Informing that the task force is now entrusted with the power to put stickers on the trucks, he said that nobody who violates the rules will be spared. 

The DC also said that the authorities will not force all trucks to install GPS, but only those transporting sand. Clarifying the issue of transporting sand to ISRO, the DC said that the state government has not given any provision for ISRO, adding that ISRO can approach the government of Kerala instead of taking sand from Karnataka. The project of installing CCTV will cost Rs. 4 – 5 crore and will be undertaken if necessary, he said.