Lack of coordination between the mines and geology department and public works department and bureaucratic lethargy have led to shortage of sand and prices are going up again.
Lack of coordination between the mines and geology department and public works department (PWD) and bureaucratic lethargy have led to shortage of sand and prices are going up again.
To streamline the sand mining industry and stop quarrying of filter sand, the state government wanted to implement its sand policy 2011 from April 1. Hence, in the last week of March, it cancelled all sand mining leases allotted earlier.
But some lorry owners questioned the government’s sand policy. The high court too raised several questions and suggested some reforms. So the government was not able to implement the policy.
PWD minister CM Udasi shied away from the responsibility saying if mines and geology department amended the rules, his department was ready to implement the policy from September 1. “But they have not done anything for the last two months,” he added.
Sand lorry owners’ association appealed to the government several times for the implementation of new sand policy but nothing happened. “We are fed up of the government. As a result, public and construction industry is suffering.
Though chief secretary has ordered issue of permits under the old act till the new policy comes into force, officials have not acted,” said Rudrappa, chairman of the association.
Sand is the new gold with prices touching Rs30,000 per load. True, sand is available for Rs15,000 and Rs18,000, but that is of mediocre quality. “Now, there is a demand for sand from Bellary and T Narasipura. People are ready to pay Rs35,000 for a load. Sand coming from Kanakapura, Maddur, Gouribidanur and Kollegal are of little demand,” he said.
“Permit problem and rainy season are the main hurdles. Sand prices are going up not because of lorry owners but because of the state government,” he added.
Capitalising on sand shortage, filter sand mafia is back in their business. According to Rudrappa, every day, about 1,500 loads of filter sand is coming to the city. For quality sand, people have to pay minimum Rs22,000 to Rs25,000 per load. But those running the mafia sell filter sand for just Rs15,000.
Hence, most people constructing houses go for filter sand. To crush the mafia, filter sand will be banned in the proposed sand policy. Illegal operators involved in such business will be jailed and made to pay a hefty fine. Cases will be booked against them under the Anti-Goonda Act.
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