Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, July 5: A high-level meeting chaired by Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Friday to address the growing issues related to sand and red stone mining in the district.

The meeting focused on challenges faced by locals and builders due to the shortage and legal hurdles in accessing red stone and sand, which are critical for housing and construction projects in the region.

Both leaders instructed officials from the department of mines and geology to take immediate steps toward implementing a clear and legally sound mining policy to streamline the process and end bottlenecks affecting the construction sector.

“We must ensure that red stone and sand are made available through legal and regulated means, without delays,” said minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Speaker U T Khader added, “People are facing real difficulties due to the current restrictions. We need a solution that balances development with environmental and legal compliance.”

The meeting concluded with a resolution to hold a follow-up session with the state’s minister for mines within a week to finalise decisions and frame a cohesive mining policy tailored to the district’s needs.