Sand problem: Labourers to go on indefinite strike from Oct 25

All MLAs extend their support

Vartha Bharati | 23-10-2018 | 00:21:00 IST

Udupi, October 22: The construction labourers, daily wage workers and other workers involved in sand transportation have decided to sit in an indefinite dharna in front of the deputy commissioner’s office here from October 25, demanding solution to the sand problem in the district.

Interestingly, cutting across party line, all elected representatives from the district have decided to extend their support to the dharna.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council Kota Srinivas Poojary said that the dharna would continue till the problem was solved. In the last two decades, he has not seen such a worst administrative system in the district. The strike being observed by the lorry owners and drivers has entered the fifth day on Monday. They have parked their tippers and lorries on either side of national highway from Byndoor to Hejamadi. The district administration has not given permission for them to hold strike on the premises of the DC office, he said.

If the police tortured the vehicle drivers and owners who have been protesting peacefully, all MLAs would support the agitators, he warned the SP.

Now, the labourers who are dependent on sand were facing tough days due to scarcity of sand in the district. So, they have decided to stage dharna demanding solution to the sand problem and all five MLAs and MLCs of the district would support their cause, he said.

When the Chief Minister came to Udupi last time, he had directed the district administration to solve the problem by October 15. Even he held a meeting of the MLAs from coastal districts in Bengaluru and directed the authorities. But the district administration has been dilly-dallying to start the sand mining which shows that the state government has no control over the administration, he said.

Though 27 sand mines were identified in SRZ zone in the district, proposal was sent for only nine blocks and approval was taken only for seven. There were provisions to begin the sand mining legally, the district administration was not showing interest in it. As a result, the families which are dependent on sand mining have come on to the streets. They would continue their protest till they get justice, he said.

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PM meets vice president on Tamil new year

14-04-2026 ¦ 14-04-2026 IST

Photo: PTI

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on Vice President C P Radhakrishnan to greet him on Tamil new year Puthandu.

Modi reached the vice president's official residence here and offered prayers on the occasion of Puthandu.

"Called on Vice President Thiru C P Radhakrishnan Ji and conveyed greetings on the special occasion of Puthandu. Praying for a wonderful year ahead, filled with good health and happiness," Modi posted on X.

The vice president said he was happy to meet Modi at Uprashtrapati Bhawan and exchange greetings on Tamil Puthandu and Baisakhi.

"We prayed for a wonderful year ahead, with happiness, peace, and the well-being of all.

"We discussed how Tamil Puthandu showcases the wisdom of our ancestors and brings together tradition, family, spirituality, and a disciplined way of life," he posted on X.

Separately, Radhakrishnan greeted people on the occasion of Puthandu, Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, Poila Boishakh and Vishu.

"These vibrant festivals reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our nation," he said.

Radhakrishnan said the festivals mark new beginnings, the joy of harvest, and the enduring bond between people, nature, and tradition.

"May these occasions inspire harmony, prosperity and renewed hope to everyone's lives," he prayed.