No Sand mafia and Special Sand yards for bulk users

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government has finally begun to clear the demand for sand. Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan has asked officials to explore the possibilities of setting up special sand yards for bulk users.

A review meeting was held with the officers concerned about the implementation of a new sand policy, on Wednesday. The officials apprised the CM of the scarcity of sand to the real estate sector.

Under-construction apartments are at the receiving end of this issue for the last three months as the government mulls over a new sand policy. The government has started 41 reaches in 13 districts. It is planning to start another 40 reaches by October.

The officials told the CM that there are 23 metric tonnes of sand available in the state whereas the average demand per day is 10000 to 12000. The figures were calculated based on the proportionate purchase of cement in the state, the officials said. They said that transportation along with procuring the sand in heavy rains is difficult and the riverside dunes have been washed away due to heavy rains.

The CM told officials that the distribution of sand must be foolproof. He advised them saying that there should not be any corruption in the sand and asked them to pile up stock once the floods recede.

CM Jagan ordered officials to set up CCTV cameras and check posts to stall illegal transportation of sand. He has also instructed them to increase the number of stockyard points and ensure that people do not face any hardships due to non-availability of sand. He asked officers to be alert and make sure there is no sand mafia and that people should not suffer due to the nonavailability of sand.