Bangalore January 1st, 2013: Mr R ShivaKumar President Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has stated that the illegal sand mining and transport has serious repercussions on construction and transport industries. The current policy lacks clear directions and the mining of sand be done on scientific mode. With the continuation of the strike many problems have erupted for the common and many projects are stalled for want of sand. This will lead to an escalation effect resulting in abnormal prices of the sand in the local market.
The governments policy fosters smuggling of sand to other States such as Kerala and Goa against gratification running into thousands of rupees. The prices of sand have skyrocketed leading to imbalances in the economy.
The demand for sand is from Real estate estimated at 3,000 truck loads a month and recently the Lorry Owners Assn had gone on strike in this regard. Subsequently the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister had assured them that their demands to check illegal sand mining would be considered by levying a fine of Rs.6000/- per truck load of sand on ad hoc basis without any criminal cases against drivers or lorry owners. Unfortunately the rule is said to have been followed initially and later resorted to old methods old seizure and grafts.
Government has to initiate immediate action to stop the smuggling of sand and issuing valid permits is the need of the day and this action will prompt for the transportation of sand and preventing smuggling thereon. The frequent disruption of the supply is causing grave concern. CCI Newswire
