Aimed heavy rain Thousands of Protesters Demand solution for Sand Problem
Pics by Prasanna Kodavoor, Team Mangalorean
Udupi: All the associations of the sand union held a huge protest rally on September 22 against the problems they face in connection to the sand in the district.
28 like-minded associations gathered at Jodukatte and took out a huge protest rally to the DC office. The Rally was flagged off at Jodukatte, Udupi and passed through Big bazaar, Daina Circle, KM Marg, Service Bus-stand, Kidiyoor Road, City Bus-Stand, Kalsanka and culminated at the Royal Garden. Later the protesters took out a vehicle rally from the Royal Garden to the DC Office Manipal where the leaders met the deputy commissioner Venkatesh and expressed their dissatisfaction. They also condemned the lackadaisical approach of the district administration towards representing their stance at the NGT.
Addressing the gathering Kuthyaru Prasad Shetty said that the district administration and the government have failed to address the grievances of the construction workers, labourers and other people involved in the industry. The frequent ban on sand mining activities in the district has affected the construction process. The people who are dependent on such business are struggling. Sand can be transported to other districts only after the requirement of the district is met. Increasing corruption in the business and the black market has created a vacuum in the trade. The construction activities have come to a standstill. People’s representatives are least bothered about the situation which hinders the development activities of the district.
He added that the district administration should frame rules and regulations for exporting sand to the neighbouring districts and states. There should also be a uniform price chart for the sand bags in the coastal district. He also sought a separate sand mining policy for the coastal districts.
Shri Laxmivaratheertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math who participated the in the protest also stressed that there was a need for separate sand mining policy for the coastal districts of the State.
Later deputy commissioner Venkatesh arrived the protest spot and received the memorandum from the protesters and assured his support.
Deputy Commissioner Venkatesh speaking to the media persons said that the hearing of the National Green Tribunal case in (Southern Zone), Chennai will be held on October 1. Devanand Ashok senior advocate will be representing the case on behalf of the Karnataka State for Udupi district. We have provided all information to the advocate. We have also suggested the association to file an impeding application in the National Green Tribunal, it will help the advocate, he added.
M G Nagendra, Manohar Shetty, Nagesh Hegde, B B Poojary, Vijaykumar Hegde, Janani Divakar Shetty, S R Lobo, Arun Bhandary, Krishna Hebbar, Ravi Shetty, Gitanjali Suvarna, Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, Raghupathi Bhat and other leaders were present. More than 2000 protesters took part in the protest aimed heavy rain.