HUBLI: The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners' and Agents' Association has come forward to contribute Rs. 1 crore for the construction development of an alternative road for manganese ore-laden trucks.

It has threatened to launch an agitation if the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation does not drop its recent resolution on imposing a ban on entry of ore-laden trucks in the day.

G.R. Shanmugappa, president of the association, told presspersons here on Thursday that the association has taken the decision since the new road would not only stop inconvenience to the people but also would be helpful to the transporters.

Since the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has taken the initiative and will be contributing its share, the association also decided to contribute, he said.

On the threat posed by trucks to the newly laid roads in Hubli, Mr. Shanmugappa said the federation has warned its members against overloading. He said the decision of the HDMC to ban the entry of trucks during daytime would cause huge losses to the transporters.

Mr. Shanmugappa said some truckers were carrying the manganese ore on the permits issued by Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Andhra Pradesh, causing loss to the tune of Rs. 25 lakh to the State exchequer every day. Consequently, it has led to illegal mining in the border areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, he said.

The HDMC was contemplating developing an alternative road for manganese ore-laden trucks, which pass through the city to reach the Karwar Road. The proposed road would link Gadag Road and Karwar Road.

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