<p>Sand transporters have been demanding that the government relook at the sand policy in the State. The stir has led to sand prices spiralling northward. A truckload of quality sand that used to cost between Rs 28,000 and Rs 35,000, now sells at about Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. <br /><br />The inflow of sand into the City has reduced from 2,500 trucks to 300 trucks. Black marketing of sand has gone up substantially. <br /><br />Those who have stocked up sand are selling it at exorbitant prices and the supply of filtered sand, dangerous for construction of a building, is also at its peak.<br /><br />The strike has had a cascading effect on construction labourers who have been rendered jobless in absence of an important Building component.<br /><br />Sand transporters have succeeded in garnering the support of other truckers in the construction industry, like brick, gravels and size-stone suppliers, who too have decided to go on strike shortly if the sand suppliers’ demands are not met.<br /><br />Secretary of the sand suppliers’ association B V Narayanappa reiterated the resolve of sand suppliers. “Until the government accepts our demand for a relook into the sand policy, we are not going to withdraw it,” he said.<br /><br />Narayanappa said the government should frame a policy on loading sand instead of imposing penalties on truckers. If the policy cannot be framed, then the government should reduce the penalty fee.</p>
<p>Sand transporters have been demanding that the government relook at the sand policy in the State. The stir has led to sand prices spiralling northward. A truckload of quality sand that used to cost between Rs 28,000 and Rs 35,000, now sells at about Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. <br /><br />The inflow of sand into the City has reduced from 2,500 trucks to 300 trucks. Black marketing of sand has gone up substantially. <br /><br />Those who have stocked up sand are selling it at exorbitant prices and the supply of filtered sand, dangerous for construction of a building, is also at its peak.<br /><br />The strike has had a cascading effect on construction labourers who have been rendered jobless in absence of an important Building component.<br /><br />Sand transporters have succeeded in garnering the support of other truckers in the construction industry, like brick, gravels and size-stone suppliers, who too have decided to go on strike shortly if the sand suppliers’ demands are not met.<br /><br />Secretary of the sand suppliers’ association B V Narayanappa reiterated the resolve of sand suppliers. “Until the government accepts our demand for a relook into the sand policy, we are not going to withdraw it,” he said.<br /><br />Narayanappa said the government should frame a policy on loading sand instead of imposing penalties on truckers. If the policy cannot be framed, then the government should reduce the penalty fee.</p>
