AAP MLA injured in attack by sand mafia in Punjab
Chandigarh, June 21: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amarjit Singh Sandoa was injured on Thursday after he and his security personnel were attacked by sand mafia goons in Punjab's Ropar district.
Sandoa was hit on the chest by a stone. He was admitted to a hospital in Anandpur Sahib. He was later referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here.
Sandoa was attacked near Bihara village when he had gone to see an illegal sand mining site.
When Sandoa, the AAP legislator from Ropar constituency, objected to the illegal activity, the goons attacked him and his security personnel. The attack was video recorded by the media accompanying Sandoa.
AAP leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Lok Insaf Party leader Simarjit Singh Bains alleged that the sand mafia goons had the backing of the ruling Congress leadership in Punjab and were openly assaulting lawmakers and officials who were objecting to their illegal activities.
Bains demanded that Chief Minister Amarinder Singh should resign as his government had failed to enforce law and order.
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Sea Plane, Heli Taxi planned under Coastal Tourism Development Plan: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the government will formulate a Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan to utilise the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts.
Presenting the 2026–27 state budget in the Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah said connectivity between major coastal tourism destinations will be enhanced through Sea Plane and Heli Taxi services in collaboration with aviation and water adventure tourism partners. Joy Ride and River Cruise activities will also be promoted as part of the initiative.
The Chief Minister also announced measures to improve the overall experience of tourists visiting the state. An amount of Rs 1 crore will be allocated to provide soft skills training to taxi drivers, auto drivers and security personnel to enhance professionalism while interacting with visitors. A diploma course will also be introduced in selected universities to provide skill training for tourist guides.
To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the Gadag–Kappatagudda–Lakkundi tourism circuit will be developed. In Chikkamagaluru district, a ropeway will be constructed between Mullayanagiri–Seethalayyanagiri and Kaimara under the PPP model to promote tourism in the region.
Siddaramaiah said Rs 10 crore will be allocated for the development of integrated infrastructure under the Karnataka Exhibition Authority. In order to protect the state’s heritage sites, 1,000 monument volunteers will be identified and trained to help conserve 844 protected monuments and around 1,000 unprotected monuments. These volunteers will be included in the department’s recognised list.
The government has also prepared a comprehensive plan worth Rs 100 crore to develop Anjanadri Hill as a globally recognised tourist destination. The works will be taken up on priority after securing forest and environmental clearances from the Government of India and approval from UNESCO, he said.
