Karnataka Bandh Evokes Poor Response in Udupi
Udupi: The Karnataka bandh call, given by various Pro-Kannada organisations on Monday June 12, seeking a resolution on the Mahadayi water issue evoked a poor response in Udupi district. However, many organisations lent moral support.
All business establishments, schools, colleges, petrol bunks, malls and theatres remained open. Buses were plying as usual. Public transport too was unaffected and buses to various places like Puttur, Dharmasthala, Udupi, Kundapur and Subhramanya operated as usual.
Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty Group) staged a protest against the scarcity of sand in the district. Speaking on the occasion district president Ansar Ahamed said that the ban on sand mining has affected the development of the district. The National Green Tribunal has ordered for a fresh survey on sand blocks, but the district administration has still not initiated any action. This reflects the lack of interest of the district administration. The district administration has strengthened its legal capacities to prevent illegal sand mining while the illegal procurement of sand from other districts is high. The Mines and Geology department has maintained silence on the illegal sand mining mafia operating in the district.
The association demands to initiate action on the sanction of sand mining, otherwise severe agitation will be launched, he warned.
Later when the protesters attempted to block the road, they were prevented by the police and taken into custody.
Prasannakumar Shetty, M G Nagendra, Shail Rehamathulla, Aravind Padubidri, Praveen Barkur, Aseef Padubidri, Madhukar Poojary and others were present.