License will be cancelled if sand stock is not cleared within 3 days: Udupi DC
Udupi, Dec 11: Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis warned of cancelling the licenses of the contractors if they have failed to begin the process of clearing the five sand stocks in CRZ limits within next three days.
Speaking to reporters at Manipal on Tuesday, the DC said that out of 61 persons, 45 persons who have been doing sand mining in traditional method before 2011, were eligible. Among them, 37 persons have already paid the fee to get the licenses and five-six persons were given licenses. Even then, they have not started the process of clearing the sand and others were also not coming forward to get licenses. The district administration has been taking steps to give permission for sand mining keeping in mind the legal issues. But some people have created some issues unnecessarily, she said.
Handiwork
Suspecting the handiwork of some vested interests in delaying the clearing process, the DC said that when the contractors were asked, they have said that they have been receiving threatening calls from some people and warned them not to begin the process. Such vested interests have warned those who have already got the licenses not to begin the process till all 170 persons will get the licenses, she added.
The district administration would cancel the licenses of the contractors if they have failed to begin the process. In future, they would not be considered for giving license for sand mining. If needed, she and SP Lakshman Nimbargi would speak to the contractors and provide them police protection. If the contractors would not come forward to lift the sand even then, the administration would permanently cancel their licenses, she said.
Responding to MLA K Raghupathi Bhat’s demand to give fresh licenses to all 170 previous license holders, she said that there was a provision to give licenses only to those who were lifting the sand traditionally before 2011 and documents have to be verified and given the licenses. The district administration would follow all norms strictly while giving licenses. Those who demand licenses to all 170 persons could ask the government directly. The central government has given permission to the state government to take a decision over the issue, the DC clarified.
The Ministry of Forest and Environment has directed the state government to take suitable decision to clear the CRZ sand blocks. Now, over 40,000 tonne of sand is available in the district and it would suffice the demand for government works and public could also get per unit of sand at Rs 518. The tender process for remaining 16 blocks in non-CRZ limits was under verification, the DC said.
When asked about the letter from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the DC said that there was a provision for traditional fishing community to lift the sand. When she took action, some people have questioned her due to which, she had asked the clarification from the Union Ministry. As per the norm, she had planned to give licenses to the families which were lifting the sand in traditional method before 2011. Same process was being followed even in Dakshina Kannada while giving licenses. But none have questioned the decision there, the DC clarified.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Indian opposition condemns Khamenei killing; Modi government yet to comment
New Delhi: The Indian National Congress has condemned the joint US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
In a statement, the Congress said it “unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination” of the Iranian leader, describing it as “in a military strike carried out without a formal declaration of war.”
The party termed the development a serious escalation and raised concerns over the implications for regional stability.
Meanwhile, the Government of India has not issued any formal statement specifically on Khamenei’s reported killing so far.
On Saturday, the Narendra Modi government had expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the United States, Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes. However, it stopped short of directly commenting on the reports regarding the Iranian leader’s death.
India has traditionally maintained working relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside its ties with the United States and Israel. Further official reaction from New Delhi is awaited.
