Periyar sand mining curbs to be reviewed

Revenue Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said the government will reconsider the advice from Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) to restrict mining of sand from the Periyar to a lower level than in the recent past.

Responding to a submission from Anwar Sadat in the Assembly on Monday, the Minister said the mining of only 152 truck loads of sand was now being permitted from the 48 sand mining points in the Periyar on a daily basis following a recommendation from the CESS. Formerly the permitted quantity was 253 truck loads.

Mr. Sadat, in his submission, highlighted the difficulties of the workers engaged in sand mining because of the restriction.

Seized vehicles

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, replying to a submission from Varkala Kahar, said the government had simplified the procedures for disposing of old vehicles, seized by the police in connection with various types of cases, lying around various police stations in the State. Vehicles piling up by the roadside near police stations were even causing difficulties for the general public, Mr. Kahar pointed out in his submission.

Fire stations

Mr. Chandy said the government had got ready a list of 15 small towns in the State where there was need for setting up fire stations expeditiously. Vaikom was on this list, he said in reply to a submission from Vaikom MLA K. Ajith. The government would proceed further in the matter as and when the concerned municipalities provided the land required for the new fire stations, Mr. Chandy said.

Staff for hospitals

Health Minister Adoor Prakash, replying to a submission from Chengannur MLA P.C. Vishnunath, said steps were afoot to fill all the staff vacancies at the government hospital in Chengannur. Mr. Vishnunath submitted that sick people from a large area around Chengannur were being deprived of the services of this hospital for want of doctors.

Attukal project

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, who is the Minister in charge of Urban Affairs also, told the House that the government would consider appointing a special officer to coordinate the works connected with the Attukal Development Project in Thiruvananthapuram. Replying to a submission from V. Sivankutty, the Minister said the government was keen on implementing as early as possible the project for developing in Attukal adequate facilities for the very large number of pilgrims who came to offer worship at the temple there.