Bhat urges govt to solve sand shortage problem

MLA Raghupathi Bhat has urged the state government to sort out the issue of sand shortage and said that he would stage an indefinite dharna if Pramod Madhwaraj accompanies him in the protest.

Referring to the statement by Pramod Madhwaraj who had quoted Bhat of saying he will solve the sand issue within a month, Bhat clarified that he has not fixed any deadlines. He has only assured to address the issue. The action is getting delayed due to the state government’s dilly-dallying attitude. He had requested the Chief Minister, district in-charge minister and also the revenue minister of solving the issue. But, there has been no use, he added.

“Pramod Madhwaraj should also put his efforts towards solving the sand shortage problem, as he has been claiming the presence of his own government.”

Bhat further said that he has been working continuously towards solving the sand shortage problem in the district. But, as the BJP did not come to power, the things could not materialise. If former minister Pramod Madhwaraj is ready to conduct a dharna in front of the DC’s office from September 1, I will accompany him, said the MLA.

The former Congress-led state government had submitted a proposal to the Central government, by furnishing wrong information to prohibit sand mining in the CRZ area. There would have been no problem if sand mining was allowed in the traditional method. There is a need for a separate CRZ rule for the coastal region. But, this has not been possible because of the mistakes committed by Pramod Madhwaraj, added the MLA.

Raghupathi Bhat also said that a delegation led by MLC Pratap Chandra Shetty met the DC recently and has requested to solve the sand problem. The DC has stated that it is not possible to give permission for sand mining as a case regarding sand mining in CRZ area is lying before the National Green Tribunal, Chennai.

The MLA meanwhile urged to identify sand using the traditional method, instead of bathymetric method. In the bathymetric method, the sand dunes cannot be cleared in an effective manner.