Transporters seek permits to lift sand

Alleging harassment by police and transport department officials, sand transporters in Bangalore have urged the department of mines and geology to issue permits for lifting sand from designated areas.

Speaking to reporters here, Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agents Association President G R Shanmugappa said the truckers are at the mercy of the government officials as there is no concrete sand excavation policy in the state.

"Construction activity is booming in Bangalore and the demand for sand is high. We lift sand from outside Bangalore, but are stopped enroute by officials who accuse us of smuggling. We are forced to pay hefty amount as bribe," he said.

He demanded the mines and geology department to legalise sand lifting by issuing permits and collecting royalty from sand miners. "We will be forced to intensify our agitation if the government does not respond to our problem," he added.

The Federation has also urged the government to reduce state duty on fuel. With diesel prices being high in Karnataka as compared to the neighbouring states, the financial burden is Rs 10,000 per truck here, Shanmugappa pointed out.

The government's plan to formulate sand mining policy has hit legal hurdles.