Karnataka to frame new sand-mining policy

BANGALORE: The state government is contemplating framing a new sand mining policy to regulate exploration of the construction material, Chief Minister D V Sadanand Gowda said.He was replying to the Assembly on the issue of hardships caused to construction activities and labourers depending on sand mining following suspension of sand mining is some parts of the state, including Mysore district.“This is a serious issue and the government would address it on a priority basis. We are contemplating to bring in a comprehensive Bill on sand mining,” Gowda assured the House.He also said Public Works Minister C M Udasi would soon convene a meeting of Floor leaders of all parties to seek their views on the proposed policy and also on immediate steps to be taken to address the problem.Opposition Congress leader Siddaramaiah, H S Shankaralinge Gowda (BJP), H D Revanna (JD-S) and others, who raised the issue during the zero hour, told the government that thousands of workers had been thrown out of the jobs and sand prices had sky-rocketed in the state.