Sand crisis: Construction workers stage protest

Construction labourers staged a protest demonstration against the district administration for undertaking only underground drainage (UGD) works in the town on Tuesday.

The protesters alleged that due to scarcity of sand, other construction works have been hit. They questioned how are the authorities able to get sand for continuing the UGD works.

They took out a protest march from the Chamarajeshwara Swamy temple to DC’s office. The march passed through the main streets of the town. The works related to UGD, including laying of pipes and construction of manholes, are under progress at various places. Irked over the issue, the labourers demanded the works be stopped and also damaged a manhole.

The district is worst affected due to the sand crisis and labourers, who are dependent on construction works, are left without work, they complained.

Due to the flash protest, vehicular traffic was affected on the Double Road and there was also a heated exchange of words with the police personnel, who tried to bring the situation under control.

The protesters alleged that the district administration has failed to solve the sand crisis. It is encouraging the use of artificial sand. Steps should be taken to get sand from the neighbouring districts and provide jobs to the daily wagers, they demanded.