JOIN USThe Federation of Karnataka Sand Lorry Owners Association continues is going ahead with its move of (Chakka Jam) blocking borders of the State on January 11 to stop all commercial vehicles entering Karnataka.
Association members said they have spoken to their counterparts in Goa, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Consequently, supply of essential commodities including milk, vegetables and other consumables could be adversely affected.
Everyday, around 40,000 commercial vehicles enter the State. The association has been called for a meeting with home minister, transport minister and PWD minister on Friday to sort out the issue.
‘Emphasis on skilled driving’
Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners Association President G R Shanmugappa said “We want the government to give 18,000 permits for as many truck loads of sand on a daily average in the State. Besides, our trucks which were impounded by the police and parked at police stations from past four months must be released. For the last two years, the State government has been insisting on education of upto 8th standard for obtaining driving licences. Several truck and lorry drivers, though skilled, are not educated till 8th standard as they have been cleaners or helpers earlier. The emphasis should be on skilled driving and not education,” he said.
He further alleged that in the past few months, police have booked 600 cases against lorry owners relating to illegal sand mining and arrested 242 drivers.