The Karnataka government has proposed a new sand policy to check the operations of the sand mafia. This will replace the present one formulated by the previous BJP government.
Announcing this at the weekend at Dasegowdanakoppal village in T Narasipur taluk of Mysore district, Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa said, a cabinet sub-committee would be set up for the purpose.
Speaking to reporters, he said the new sand policy would aim to effectively curb the sand mafia operating in a big way in Karnataka.
The new policy would correct the lacunae in the present sand policy. It would be made more scientific to check the deep-rooted sand mafia operations in the state. The sub-committee would take into consideration all aspects seriously before chalking out the policy. It would also aim to achieve coordination and collective responsibility among the revenue, home, transport, mines and geology, and public works departments, he said, adding that the use of scientific and synthetic material as an alternative to sand was also being considered, more so because of the emptying of sand from rivers and lakes.
He said an autonomous body would be set up for vigilance and maintenance of standards in national, state highways and district road works. It would pay special attention to preparing estimates, time-bound completion of works, requirement-based funds and quality maintenance independently.
The state had sought Rs 700 crore assistance from the Centre for development of the state highways.
Stating that vacant posts in the PWD would be filled according to requirements, the minister said modernisation of canals of Krishnarajasagar needs to be taken up to conserve water.
Mahadevappa said, he had discussed with the chief minister about the development of T Narasipur bus stand and depot, and said the works would be initiated soon.
He laid the foundation stone for modernisation of distributory channels of Turuganur canal at Dasegowdan- akoppal for Rs 7.16 crore. The development of 35.8 km of canals under jurisdiction of the Cauvery Irrigation Corporation, will irrigate 5,168 acres in the taluk. The minister also laid the foundation stone for improving 800 metre Koratagere-Bavali road at a cost of Rs 56 lakh.
