Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the government has banned manufacture of “filter” sand. Legal action will also be initiated against those indulging in the extraction of sand from agricultural fields.
In reply to Govind Karjol of the Bharatiya Janata Party during Question Hour, the Chief Minister said inter-State transportation of sand would be regulated by setting up check-posts on the State borders. However, there was no regulation in the intra-State movement of sand.
Mr. Siddaraiamah was replying to questions raised by several members that despite attempts to crack down on the unlawful activity, business thrives and sand extracted from fields resulted in ponds and rivulets drying up.
Admitting that the recent strike by sand transporters has pushed up the demand and cost of sand, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the prices would come down in the next few days. The price of sand was over Rs. 1 lakh per truckload during the strike. The lorry owners’ association has accepted the newly formulated sand policy of the State government, he said.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Public Works Department has identified 1,864 blocks spread over 17810.06 hectares in 85 taluks in the State.
Mr. Karjol, N.H. Konaraddi, Shivalinge Gowda (both JD-S), Siddu B. Nyamagouda and E. Tukaram (both Congress) demanded establishment of check-posts to regulate transportation of sand to other States.
Members alleged that the district administration has been issuing permits to only a few lorry owners and there was discrimination in issuing permits. Members said Deputy Commissioners have not been permitted inter-district movement of sand.
Fire stationsIn reply to K. Venkatesh of the Congress, Home Minister K.J. George said the department plans to establish fire stations in all 176 taluks of the State under the Special Development of K-Safe 2010.
At present, 186 fire stations have been established in 156 taluks. Twenty-six fire stations would be established in the coming days, he said.
