Seized sand to be allotted for civic works of local bodies: DC

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, on Saturday, said the sand seized from illegal hoarders will be allotted for civic works taken up by local bodies.

Following complaints from the elected representatives, during the vigilance and in-charge committee meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat, over policemen seizing sand from the beneficiaries of housing and toilet schemes, the Deputy Commissioner explained that the sand seized is released after the court order as per the procedure. “The policemen are cracking down on sand holders owing to the ban. Moreover, the situation is expected to ease once the District Administration begins to lift sand from patta lands identified for the purpose,” she said.

However, the DC promised the Zilla Panchayat authorities that the seized sand will be allotted to take up civic works, on priority.

ZP Vice-President L Madappa brought to the DC’s notice that policemen are seizing bicycles and motorbikes for transporting sand. Such people are the beneficiaries of housing and toilet schemes, who will be carrying sand only to carry out the allotted works.

ZP CEO P A Gopal, who intervened, said, there are complaints about policemen not considering even after work orders were issued to such beneficiaries. The work orders are issued to reaffirm genuineness in case of need.

Madappa urged the Deputy Commissioner to deposit sand in the respective gram panchayats, whenever they are seized from the beneficiaries.

ZP President Pushpa Amarnath alleged, “My letter to the DC, seeking 10 loads of sand for taking up civic works in the taluks remains to be heard”.

A BSNL official informed that it is proposed to install 11 3G towers and 25 2G towers in Mysuru district. Besides, the works related to connecting every gram panchayat in the district with broadband is expected to be completed in a month. Optical fibre cables are being laid for the purpose, he added.