K’taka govt to introduce separate sand policy for coastal regions

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government said on Friday that it would take steps to introduce a separate sand policy for the coastal region of the State, as per the long-standing demand of the people.

Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani, while stating this in the assembly, also said that ”Mines Adalats”would be held across the state under which he, along with department officials, would go to divisions to resolve the issues on the spot.

Nirani was responding to a question raised by Congress legislator UT Khader during question hour in the legislative assembly.

Stating that the construction activities have been affected in many parts of Karnataka due to shortage of sand, he said the government would take necessary steps to prevent such problems.

The Minister said he has held district and state-level meetings with officials after assuming and was aware of the problems faced by people due to shortage of sand, as he promised to ensure its availability without further delay.

”Our aim is to supply quality sand with a much lesser price to the people. We will introduce new policies in the department and it’s our priority to supply quality sand to the people at market price,” he was quoted as saying in a note by his office.