CHITRADURGA | March 29, 2017:

Deputy Commissioner Srirangaiah has said that tenders have been invited for allotting 20 new sand blocks in Chitradurga district as per new norms and the tender process would be completed in a fortnight.

Speaking at a meeting of district-level officers here on Tuesday, he said that the sand problem in the district would be sorted out in another 20 days as the Department of Mines and Geology has identified more than 20 sand blocks and people would start getting sand for construction works.

The officers concerned have identified sand blocks for government projects in Challakere, Hiriyur and Hosadurga taluks and the Public Works Department, the Land Army and Nirmithi Kendra can use the available sand depending on requirement by paying necessary fees.

“From the available sand blocks, sand could be procured on priority for government projects, construction of toilets under government schemes and other civil works,” he added.

The Deputy Commissioner also told the meeting that 16 cases have been booked in the last one year for illegal transportation of sand and the officers concerned have been instructed to initiate stringent action against those indulging in transportation of sand illegally, he said.

Superintendent of Police Arun Rangarajan said that illegal transportation of sand will decrease considerably once the new sand blocks are allotted.

The department has issued clear instructions to officers in all taluks to initiate stringent action against illegal sand transportation, he said.

(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)