Another protest by trade unions

The protesters said if the government did not solve their problems in a fortnight,they would intensify their agitation in the entire state.

Protesting against the sand mining mafia,the Lal Jhanda Mazdoor Union and other trade unions held a rally in Dana Mandi and also blocked traffic for more than an hour on the main bus stand road on Friday.

The protesters said if the government did not solve their problems in a fortnight,they would intensify their agitation in the entire state. Tarsem Jodhan,a union leader,said the government was not auctioning the 243 sand quarries which were less than 5 hectares in area so as to escalate the prices of sand and create further inflation.

A 250 cubic feet sand trolley which was available for Rs 1,500-2,000 till last year could now be had for Rs 12,000-15,000. The price has increased exorbitantly which has affected many construction projects as well apart from hitting the common man. The common man now cant think of constructing a house, Jodhan said.

He added,Prices of cement and sand are almost equal which can clearly give an idea about the blackmarketing by sand mafia. The government has got clearance for 10 sites which are not being auctioned while 243 more sites need no environment clearance because their area is less than 5 hectares,but the sites are not being auctioned. Due to this,many brick kilns are also not operational where area is less than 5 hectares.

The protesting workers blocked traffic for more than an hour on the bus stand road.

SDM Ajay Sood went to take a memorandum from the union leaders and assured them to arrange their meeting with the Chief Minister within 15 days.

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