Sand truckers call off strike

The decision was taken following a marathon meeting with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

Sources said the government had agreed not to penalise trucks at checkposts, provided they pay Rs 30 per metric tonne of sand. The association had agreed to it.

However, the truckers will meet Chief Secretary S V Ranganath at 11 am on Friday. The government, sources said, will implement the Sand Mining Policy in six months.

The arrangement will be null and void after that, as truckers will require to follow the policy.
Over the last few weeks, the strike had crippled supply of sand for various infrastructure projects, including the ones being carried out by the BWSSB, BBMP and the Namma Metro.

The construction industry was also affected badly, including projects ranging from private villas to apartments to public sector works. Non-availability of the building material had slowed down construction works considerably.