Mangaluru: Sand imported from Malaysia finally allowed to be disposed

Mangaluru: The sand imported from Malaysia and stocked at the New Mangalore port during the chief ministership of Siddaramaiah to address the sand shortage in the State, has been finally disposed of after three and a half years.

In December 2017 and early 2018, sand was imported from Malaysia in 3 ships and stored at Mangaluru. It was imported by two private companies.

However, the State government did not grant permission for its sale and the imported sand languished.

Disputes started between the State government and the companies over the issue and it went to court.

The court has now settled the application of one company and allowed it to move the sand while another application from the other company is being heard.

The companies had to pay Rs 12 lakhs as rent every month to NMPT for stocking the sand causing it to become a huge financial burden.

“The movement of the sand imported from Malaysia and stored in NMPT yard has been permitted as per court orders. It is being transported to other States and districts including Kerala with the permission of the Mines Department,” said Niranjan, Deputy Director, Mines Department of Dakshina Kannada district.