Mangaluru: BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Satish Kumpala has voiced serious concern over the ongoing ban on sand and red stone extraction in the region, stating that the livelihoods of thousands of workers have been gravely affected.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Kumpala highlighted the worsening condition of families who depend on the sand and stone sector. “Many labourers are unable to pay their children’s school or college fees. Their lives have gone off course,” he said, stressing the human cost of the shutdown.
He criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for failing to deliver on its earlier commitment to establish a structured sand policy for the district. “Instead of addressing the issue, the government has brought all legal operations to a complete standstill, pushing workers into distress,” he alleged.
While he expressed support for cracking down on illegal mining, Kumpala urged the government to provide a lawful, organized system that allows legal extraction and secures employment. “We support the action against unlawful practices, but not at the cost of innocent workers’ lives,” he stated.
Kumpala also demanded the implementation of a royalty system akin to Kerala’s, noting that Karnataka’s current rates are nearly twice as high and unfair.
He concluded by announcing that the BJP will launch statewide protests on July 14. Demonstrations will be held in all assembly segments across Dakshina Kannada to show solidarity with affected labourers.