Construction workers on indefinite hunger strike in Manipal, sand mining issues

Construction workers on indefinite hunger strike in Manipal, sand mining issues

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 27, 2016: Udupi ’District Building and Construction Workers’ Association’ has started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Udupi DC’s office demanding it to take measures for vacating the stay order imposed on sand mining activities in the district.

Association Secretary Vittal Poojary threatened the district administration that if it fails to initiate measures, the members of the association would end up taking law into their hands. The members are suffering without employment for months. The district administration is not taking any action to vacate the stay order imposed by the National Green Tribunal in Chennai on sand mining in CRZ areas. The financial condition of the construction workers has been worsening day-by-day and they are finding it hard to get two square meals a day. They have no other source of livelihood and their life is totally disturbed.

He said the indefinite strike would continue till Sept 28, Wednesday before taking a decision on the future course of action. The sand is illegally extracted and exported to neighbouring districts/states . The problem confronting the labourers is that they are suffering without jobs, he said. He demanded that the district administration should ensure justice.

He charged that the district administration is clueless and most irresponsible ever, as it has totally failed to respond to the needs of the poor construction workers. The final resort before the construction workers is to take law into their hands and fight against the injustice, he reiterated.

He said the financial activities in the district have taken a back seat and the people in the sand industry are the worst sufferers as the overall business stands still.

He said that district in-charge minister has been repeatedly told about the problems. But, he is mum about the issue. The state government is also least bothered and there is no initiative to vacate the stay order in the court. The hearing on the case is on October 1. Another stay order has been issued by the High Court over non-CRZ areas. Barely any attempt has been made to see to it that the applicants take back the petitions. The district administration should file advance application and ensure that the issue is sorted out immediately.