Andhra CM YS Jagan launches toll-free number to curb sand mafia in the state
By Anusha Puppala Published on 18 Nov 2019 11:54 AM GMT
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched, on Monday, a toll-free number — 14500 — to report any sand issue in the state. While launching the new system, the Chief Minister dialled the number and gave his suggestions to the employees of the call centre.
AP residents can use the number to report, and thus prevent sand smuggling, illegal storage, and sale of sand in the black market. This facility allows anyone to direct authorities towards irregularities pertaining to sand in the state.
Once the complaint has been registered, the authorities will issue penal action against the concerned individuals in the reported incident. The state government has issued strict orders to take stringent action against those who violate the sand policy. A fine of Rs 2 lakh will be imposed and perpetrators, who hoard, resell, or transport sand illegally, will be imprisoned for up to two years.
Jagan launched the toll-free number in the presence of the Minister for Panchayati Raj Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, DGP Gautam Sawang, and Task Force Chief Surendra Babu.
