Sand: Distribution of applications suspended

Fresh notice intimating the inconvenience triggers protest: Issue makes a comeback

They were wrong, for the public works department (PWD) has come out with a fresh notice suspending the distribution of application forms from Wednesday afternoon.

A notice in Kannada signed by the executive engineer has been pasted on the compound of the office of executive engineer, PWD informing that- owing to the non-availability of sand in the yard, no fresh applications will be issued and demand draft towards the same will not be received from November 23 till further orders. The public are requested to cooperate.

Former MLA M K Somashekar who staged a protest in front of the office in protest of the notice alleged that it is nothing but a grave lie from the authorities concerned, as they are yet to begin extraction of sand. It will be further difficult henceforth, as there is a huge demand for the supply of sand.

According to another source, a total of 601 applications are issued till date since the policy came into effect. Of them permit has been given for 159, and sand has been supplied to 103 parties. With the growing demand, the officers are in dilemma, aggravated by the growing labour unrest in the yard.