Contractors want sand ban revoked
Sand mining contractors and workers staged a protest at forest check-post near Majali on NH-17 in Karwar on Tuesday, against the ban imposed by the State government on sand transport to Goa from river Kali.
The protesters later transported sand to Goa in defiance of the ban. The contractors and workers had gathered in large numbers at the border check post from the morning. More than 30 tipper lorries loaded with sand were parked at the check post, ready to cross over to Goa.
The protesters who held a meeting at the spot demanded that the Assistant Commissioner, Tahsildar and officials of Mines and Geology Department to give them permission for transporting sand to Goa.
However, Assistant Commissioner M R Ravi and officials from Mines and Geology Department refused to permit transport of sand across the border, citing the ban.
Kali River Sand Mining Contractors Owners’ Association President M P Rane claimed that more than 10,000 people had lost their jobs due to the ban.
Fisheries and Science and Technology Minister Anand Asnotikar, who arrived at the spot tried to pacify the protesters. However, the protesters were insistent on obtaining permission. Traffic on the highway was blocked for more than two hours, inconveniencing travelers.
Mines and Geology Department official Dawood levied a penalty of Rs 5,000 on 12 tippers which were found violating sand transporting licence laws.
The measure has been taken under Sections 43 and 44 of Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994. A complaint has been lodged with Goa police against five tippers which have violated the order.
