Mangaluru : The joint action committee of sand contractors, sand boat owners, labourers and building construction material transportation and lorry owners, has started a 24×7 call centre service for supply of sand. The call centre number is 8088869869 and is effective from Thursday.

Briefing reporters, in Mangaluru, on Thursday, Committee president Mayur Ullal said the call centre is a parallel service and is not a compulsory procedure.

Customers who need sand can call the number and place a request, which will be sent to the action committee comprising of sand contractors. The dealers will provide the sand to the customers accordingly. During nights, the calls will be recorded.

The amount will be based on the rate fixed by the Dakshina Kannada district administration and the service will be limited to the district. The price for two units of concrete sand is Rs 3,000 and of fine sand is Rs 3,500.

For three units, the price of concrete sand is Rs 4,500 and fine sand is Rs 5,250. The prices will be applicable for distances within 10 km. An additional of Rs 500 will be collected per five kms, exceeding 10 kms. The amount should be paid on delivery. A service charge of Rs 100 will be collected.

Sand will be transported to any place in the district. For Mangaluru city – Ullal, sand will be supplied from Kallapu mining area, for Mangaluru city – BC road, Bantwal, sand will be supplied from Adyar mining area and for Mangaluru city-Surathkal, sand will be transported from Kuloor mining area.

Three options will be given to the caller. To place a demand for sand, one has to press 1, for suggestions and complaints, the users can press 2 and to talk to the representative the customer can press 3.

The incoming calls will be diverted to the respective sections.

At present, the complaints are received by the action committee members. The problem will be solved and will be confirmed through SMS. However, permission has been sought to include the phone number of district mines and geology officer so that the complaint will be received by the authority concerned, he said.

Mayur Ullal said in the district the mining has been carried out traditionally. The directions by the district administration are being followed by sand miners and dredging has been stopped. Sand mining labourers are being provided with group insurance and minimum wages. Also, the directions of green tribunal are being followed.

Action committee honorary president Khader Kannur, Secretary Rajarathna Sanil and others were present.