‘Need Sand at Rs 12K a load, I Will Deliver to you by 3 AM?’- MLC Ivan D’souza
Mangaluru: Hinting at Sand Mafia, on a lighter side of vein MLC Ivan D’souza during a press held at his office inside MCC building said that any of the journos want sand at Rs 12,000 a load, that he will see that it is delivered at their door step during the wee hours, before 2 or 3 am?. But when a journo asked Ivan if he could provide the contact number of the sand supplier, he was reluctant to give it. Speaking further, Ivan said, “The DC and the concerned authorities were suppose to settle this sand availability issue by 15 October, but it seems like nothing is materialized. While there steel and cement available in plenty, construction of homes and buildings have stopped due to sand shortage and non-availability”.
He further said, “I ured DC and concerned authorities to immediately come to a solution, where a truck load of sand is made available to the consumer at Rs 3000, and nothing more than that. Sand is a free source of nature, therefore a consumer should be made to pay only for labor and transport charges. Decades ago sand was available without any hassles or difficulties, then why all this nataka and logic now. DC should take decision quick so that the consumer doesn’t have to wait further. Fix a rate of Rs 3000 and supply sand to those who are needing it badly, either to finish their homes or other buildings.”
“Even though all the restrictions and ban are in force, but I know that if you pay Rs 9000 to 10,000 the people of sand mafia will deliver the sand in the wee hours without any problems. So there is corruption going on in this sand issue. Buy a common person who wants sand at a cheaper price is out of luck, and has to face all kind of inconveniences. I therefore strongly urge the DC and the concerned officials to do whatever they can, but see that sand is made available soon. A person or a builder can’t wait any longer. Due to this sand issue many are in hard ship, like laborers without jobs, tipper drivers are without any income etc. Keeping this mind, the authorities should come to a solution soon and end this never-ending issue” added Ivan D’souza.
MLC Ivan further added, “I have already brought this issue to the knowledge of CM H D Kumaraswamy, former CM Siddaramaiah, and also district minister-in-charge U T Khader, and have requested them to do the needful at the earliest. The government has done everything it could, but it is DC who is delaying and not showing any interest or a quick solution. The sand issue lies entirely in the hands of the DC, and therefore he should act and solve this issue soon without any further delay. The deadline of 15 October has been lapsed, what’s the next step DC and other authorities are taking. No matter what, we need sand. Period.”
Also announcing about his Deepavali Sangama (get-together) and celebrations, MLC Ivan said, “Since three years I have hosted Diwali Sangama with an intention to bring love, peace and harmony in the Society, in unique way with the combination of all religion. The Souharda or friendliness is not just a message it has to be adopted in our everyday life. The forthcoming “All Religion Diwali Sangama” on 6 November will be the Fourth one, to be held at Town Hall, Mangaluru, all day long. I feel blessed when I host this Diwali Souhardha with people of all religion with an aim to bring peace, love, friendship and harmony between Hindus and other religious folks. We should all live in harmony and peace, and never give a chance for hate and communal tensions. Let’s celebrate Diwali with peace and love, that should be our motto”.
“The main formal celebration of this programme will be held at 5.30 pm, where dignitaries like Minister U T Khader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, DC Sasikanth Senthil, Police Commissioner T R Suresh, INTUC president Rakesh Malli, Congress youth President Mithun Rai, MCC Mayor Bhasker K, among many others who will grace the occasion. Apart from these people, three heads of Hindu, Christian and Muslim religion will also grace the programme. There will be cultural programme, including rice distribution to the poor, felicitations to achievers, and much more. A book on my achievements, activities, and works done by me will also be released during the occasion” added D’souza.
He concluded saying, “Apart from the evening function, during the daytime, there will be competitions like -Drawing, Elocution, Goodudeepa contest, -all with the theme pertaining to Deepavali and its tradition. Attractive prizes will be rewarded to the winners. Last year we had a huge participation, and we hope to receive many more this year. The contest is open to primary, middle and high school students. Let’s all join together to make Diwali a feast aimed to bring unity and peace among all religions. Around 65 members have been formed in this project committee to make this occasion a grand success”.