Adopt comprehensive sand mining policy in coastal districts - Minister Rai

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 4, 2014 :  Chairing a meeting  of DCs  from DK, Udupi and Uttara Kannada,  District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai has directed the three coastal district administrations to adopt a uniform and comprehensive sand mining and distribution policy.

He said that the sand policy should ensure that there was no shortage of sand for the people. The authorities should ensure that people get sand at a reasonable price.

Sand transporting trucks should be fitted with GPS facility. The GPS monitoring centre should be under the control of the district administration. The sand should be mined in a legally prescribed manner from the river beds and transportation of the sand should be approved as per the law. The deputy commissioners should review the situation every month.

The Minister directed DK Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim to identify sand blocks and submit a proposal to the state government. A sevenmember committee that has to be constituted as per direction of the state government will decide on issuing permits for sand mining.   Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will chair a meeting at Bangalore on October 13 to decide on the supply of sand.  A strict regime is to be introduced it is stated to avoid all smuggling and misuse.