‘Resolve sand row before LS poll date announcement’

District In-charge Minister Jayamala directed the deputy commissioner to sort out sand mining issues before the (election) model code of conduct comes into effect in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

“Poll dates are likely to be announced in a few days. Sand mining problems need to be solved in just two days,” Jayamala told media people after chairing the quarterly KDP meeting on Wednesday.

The minister said that eight sand bars were identified in the CRZ area and the sand mining committee led by the DC had decided to permit sand extraction there.

She added that 30 blocks had been identified in non-CRZ areas. Seven of the 30 blocks would be used for works being implemented under government schemes.

“Tendering for another 23 blocks were underway. Before the start of monsoon, sand must be extracted from the basin,” Jayamala said adding: “The price of sand will also be made known to the public”.

Deputy Commissioner Hepshiba Rani Korlpati said that she intended to call a meeting soon to sort out sand mining issues in the CRZ area. Live bidding would be held for sand extraction in the non-CRZ area, she added.

The minister said that Endosulfan victims should be given compensation. “A joint meet will be held for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasargod and Uttar Kannada. There are several victims in Kundapur taluk and they are deprived of compensation. A survey will be conducted again to assess the exact number of endosulfan victims,” Jayamala assured.

As many as 6,253 arecanut growers had received compensation for crop losses said Jayamala and she directed officials prepare to tackle water scarcity and drought. As many as 19 vented dams were built and another eight would be completed soon.

Reacting to a query on the problem encountered by farmers in Baje reservoir area, the minister promised to hold talks with the district administration on releasing water and improving the power supply in the village.

The minister promised to hold talks with the Sugar minister on the revival of Brahmavar sugar factory.

“I proposed 11 service roads for NH-66. Karkala theme park will be developed and 50 acres of land is earmarked for the purpose. The theme park will have a toy train, book park and sound & light show,” she added.

The minister added that 30 rehabilitation cells were opened for women in distress across the state and Rs 11.5 crore had been released. “There are at least one lakh distressed women in the state. A skill development programme will be introduced for them,” she added.

Superintendent of Police Nisha James said that all measures were taken to trace seven missing fishermen on board fishing boat Suvarna Tribhuja. “A satellite search is underway. The Armed forces are involved in the search operation. Sadly, there is no progress,” she added.

When asked about the recent statement by BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi that the fishermen were found in Dubai, James said that the names of fishermen found in Dubai did not match with the names in the ‘missing’ list currently with the police.