Sand, stone dealers seek authorised sites
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14 2019:
Highlighting that they have been facing a very difficult situation as the State Government has not yet notified a single area as an authorised site for quarrying sand or stone, sand/stone dealers and transporters have urged the State Government to notify areas which can be used as authorised quarrying sites.
Speaking to media persons at Canchipur bus terminus today on behalf of sand and stone dealers/trans- porters, one Kangujam Rajen pointed out that the High Court of Manipur recently passed an order directing the authorities con- cerned to seize vehicles transporting sand and stones which are quarried from river beds illegally.
Subsequent upon the High Court's order, all sand and stone dealers/transporters have suspended their daily business without any alternative, he said.
He said that they have stopped supplying stones and sands to Government agencies as well as private individuals.
It would not be long before sand and stone dealers/transporters are rendered incapable of paying back loans taken from banks for buying vehicles, excavators etc.
Vehicle drivers, machinery operators as well as builders would be left jobless very soon, Rajen said.
He then urged the Government to notify certain suitable areas as authorised quarrying sites for sand and stone.
He said that a joint meeting of all sand and stone dealers/transporters has been convened at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a joint committee of drivers and owners of trucks, mini-trucks and excavators has been constituted, Rajen said.
Rajen who has been already appointed co-convenor of the newly formed committee further appealed to all stake holders to attend the meeting scheduled tomorrow.