It has been over a year since the new sand policy came to fore, making it mandatory for the sand lorries to be fitted with geographical positioning system (GPS). Yet, the authorities concerned have been finding it challenging to curb illegalities with the aid of technology. 

As an extended measure, the district police have decided to go for geo fencing (geographical fencing) of the sand yards in the district.

Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare told the media here on Thursday that in the existing set up, geo fencing is restricted to the borders of the city, with an agency roped in for the job, which keeps a tab on the sand lorries with the help of GPS fitted in the vehicles. Whenever the sand lorries enter the city, the agency keeps count of its entry and exit timings. This had been of much help, the SP added.

Taking cognisance of the same, the SP said he has plans to extend the geo fencing around the six yards in the district at Talkad and T Narsipura. After lifting the sand from river Cauvery and Kapila, it will be transported to the yards, from where the sand will be transported according to the permit. 

As per the plans, the control room of the service provider, now located at other part of the city, will be shifted to the district police control room within the precincts of district police offices complex in Jalpuri. The technical staff belonging to the service provider will work in tandem with the police.

According to the statistics available, of 1,000 odd lorries transporting sand in the district, only 696 have been fitted with GPS. However, only 150 among them are in working condition, with majority of the lorry operators turning it off at times according to their convenience. 

The district police are also planning to issuing permits online, to check irregularities.