Udupi: The ongoing strike by lorry owners in Udupi has shown no signs of abating, with authorities scrambling to address the growing concerns over traffic disruptions along National Highway 66 (NH 66). In response to the crisis, officials from the Udupi district administration convened a pivotal meeting with representatives of the Lorry and Tempo Owners’ Association.
The high-level meeting, presided over by Udupi’s Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Vidyakumari, Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, and Member of Legislative Council Manjunath Bhandary, took place on Sunday, with the central objective of addressing the grievances put forward by the protesting lorry owners.
SP Dr. Arun K underscored the mandatory installation of GPS systems and unequivocally stated that any unlawful transportation of sand and jelly stones would not be tolerated. In response, Raghavendra Shetty, President of the Lorry and Tempo Owners’ Association, expressed the association’s willingness to comply with the GPS installation requirement and acquire e-permits through the Integrated Lease Management System (ILMS) administered by the Department of Mines and Geology.
However, Shetty placed significant emphasis on a crucial condition, highlighting the need for assurances that lorry owners would not encounter situations where they obtain permits but find themselves unable to access materials such as sand and jelly stones from authorized sources. He voiced concerns that if contractors responsible for extracting sand from authorized sand blocks refuse to provide these materials to lorry and tempo owners, it could pose substantial challenges. Shetty urged officials to step in and safeguard their interests in such circumstances, receiving assurance from SP Arun K that they would be provided legal support when needed.
During a protest near Udyavara, Shetty strongly countered claims made by officials from the mines and geology department, who had labeled lorry and tempo owners as a “mafia.” Shetty clarified that the members of the association are primarily engaged in the transportation of sand for construction purposes, making their livelihoods from this honest work. He emphasized that the law should not be enforced in a manner that subjects hardworking individuals, particularly those from the labor class, to undue harassment.
Shetty mentioned that the association is slated to hold a crucial meeting in Kota or Brahmavara on Monday to chart the course of future actions, including the potential resolution of their ongoing protest.