Mangaluru: Minister for Fisheries, Port and Inland Water Transport S Angara said that the police and the district administration have been directed to take stringent action against those who attempt to disrupt peace and harmony in the district.

“The police are given a free hand in taking legal action against anti-social elements.There is no question of interference in the investigation process. Without a free hand, how will the police function?” he asked. He was replying to a query during a press meet held in the DC office on Friday.

“All the departments are given a free hand in the administration and have been asked to work as per the law. There are allegations against MLAs interfering in the Police department. We have to see the truth and react,” he said.

On increase in illegal sand extraction and transportation across Dakshina Kannada district, he said the Mines and Geology Minister had convened a meeting at the state level recently.

“The officials from the Mines and Geology department have been asked to take steps against illegal sand extraction in the district as per the law. About 32 contractors had obtained permission from the court to engage in extraction and transportation of sand,” he said.

22,93,151 doses

A total of 22,93,151 doses of vaccines had been administered in DK district so far. About 88% of the targeted beneficiaries have availed the first dose and 51% of the beneficiaries have availed the second dose in the district.

Officials from the Health and Family Welfare department, along with Asha and Anganwadi workers, are reaching out to the targeted beneficiaries who had failed to get inoculated so far. Steps have been taken to convince people to get inoculated and create awareness on the need for getting vaccinated in the district. In the Sullia Assembly constituency, awareness on vaccines are created in all 48 booths by the volunteers.

“It was true that there was hesitancy over vaccines in the district during the initial stages. Now, people are coming forward to get themselves inoculated,” Angara said.

On school reopening

To a query on the reopening of schools, the minister said that steps had been taken to supply sanitisers to the schools.

The classrooms will be sanitised before the start of classes for primary school children. The district administration has taken enough measures to tackle the third wave of Covid-19 in the district, he said.