Issue of sand permits from Monday

The decision was taken during a meeting between Chief Secretary S V Ranganath and the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association (FKSLOAA).

Mines and Geology Department will issue the permits whereas the Public Works Department will collect the money for purchase of sand. Additionally, a task force comprising deputy commissioners would be created in the coming days to check any irregularity. The present arrangement will be in force for six months after which the new sand policy would be implemented.

The Federation, which had launched a state-wide strike on October 26, called off the stir on Thursday and agreed to the solutions put forward by the government.

“It was a great move by the chief minister to come up with an amicable solution. Starting Friday all truck owners affiliated to the Association have started plying their vehicles,”G R Shanmugappa, president of the Lorry Owner’s Association told Deccan Herald.

He added that the quantity of sand essential to restart works will reach construction sites by Saturday morning. He said the price per truck load of sand had come down to Rs 20,000 from Rs 60,000 in a day.