M-sand from Udupi district being illegally transported to Keralam, says Udupi Lorry and Tempo Owners’ Association

The Udupi Lorry and Tempo Owners’ Association has accused Udupi district administration of failing to put an end to illegal transportation of M-sand from Udupi district to Keralam, notwithstanding heavy demand for M-sand in the district.

Addressing presspersons in Udupi recently, association secretary Raghavendra Shetty said they would stage a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office soon to urge the administration to curb the illegal transportation.

Mr. Shetty alleged that officials of the Department of Mines and Geology have colluded with some stone crusher owners and are allowing M-sand to be transported to Keralam. It has resulted in shortage of M-sand in the district thus hitting the construction activities. The livelihoods of lorry owners and drivers have been affected, he said.

Mr. Shetty said that some crusher units are charging very high price for M-sand. Hence middle-class families are finding it difficult to construct houses.

The movement of M-sand to Keralam continues unchecked, he alleged adding that local lorry owners and drivers are being harassed even when transporting sand legally.

The secretary said that several M-sand-laden lorries are seen moving from Belmannu region towards Keralam via Padubidri and Mangaluru. After the matter was brought to the notice of Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA contacted officials and urged them to take strict action against those violating the rules. However, no raids have been conducted, he alleged.