Despite the imbroglio the sand policy has created in Mysore district, authorities have been directed to strictly adhere to it.
The land policy introduced a few days ago, has run into problems. Common builders and contractors have been the worst hit. Civil contractors, the Builders Association of India and truck operators are not happy the way things are happening. Needy ones are now caught in permit procedures and compelled to bear the delay with no other option. Instead of bringing relief, the policy has driven them to a helpless situation.
The policy was so hurriedly given effect without any forethought and preparation just two days after it was introduced that the district authorities had to stop receiving applications for permits, saying there was no sand to allot and it would not be available till further notice.
This scenario has hampered construction activity resulting in cost escalation, though Mysore is close to the Cauvery and its tributaries. At a review meeting on November 30, District Incharge Minister S A Ramadas blamed the sand mafia of trying to scuttle the sand policy by creating artificial scarcity. He stood his ground, making it clear there was no going back on the policy as it aimed at making available sand to people in required quantities and without hassles.
He directed the district authorities to not allow the land mafia to have a upper hand and instead put down illegal transportation of sand in the district with an iron hand. He asked them to seize the trucks transporting sand illegally and penalise them with a fine of Rs 5,000.
“Earlier, only the trucks were seized. Now the sand will also be seized,” the minister warned illegal sand operators. He directed the officials to increase the number of check-posts to a dozen from six and step up night vigil to block illegal sand movement.
“The land mafia is making concerted efforts to come in the way of the new sand policy. They are preventing workers from lifting sand from river beds. The officials, therefore, must act strictly to put down the mafia. They must enforce the government’s policy without giving scope for illegal sand transportation and mining,” Ramadas directed the officials. He told them to arrest those who prevent lifting of sand from river beds.
“People are responding to obtain sand as per new regulations. The officials should resolve the initial hiccups in the new policy implementation and create a favourable situation for sand seekers. Priority would be given to those who submit applications with building plans and Rs 4,000 DD as deposit. The state is committed to supplying sand in the required quantities to genuine persons at the rate notified by it,” the minister told the authorities.
Deputy Commissioner P S Vastrad said, situation was improving with official sand lifting and supply on the rise.
PWD Executive Engineer C Basavaraju said, sand permits were issued to 257 persons, of the 794 applications received. Of the remaining, 317 had applied in the required format with a DD. Fresh applications will be received after clearing the pending applications.
