258 sand quarries identified across the State: Minister

Vijayawada: Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy stated that the State government will implement the new sand policy in a transparent manner and the government had identified 258 sand reaches in the state and will open 250 sand reaches by the end of next month. Minister inaugurated the sand quarry and stock point at Chevitikallu village of Kanchikacharla mandal on Thursday.

The state government approved the sand policy on Wednesday. The officials have made arrangements for the digging, loading and supply of sand at the reach. Later, speaking to media, the Minister said the government has inaugurated 41 sand quarries in 13 districts and will increase the number in a phased manner.

He said some sand quarries on the banks of Krishna and Godavari rivers are still inundated and it will take some more time to open them. He said the government has fixed Rs.375 for one ton sand which include the loading charges.

The minister informed that the details of sand available in each sand quarry will be uploaded online and buyers can book sand online. The CC cameras and weighing bridges were arranged at the quarries and the officials keep strict vigil on the loading and supply of sand.

He said joint collectors and the officials of the AP Mineral Development Corporation will implement the new sand policy. Ramachandra Reddy made it clear that he government will take stringent action if irregularities are noticed in the implementation of new policy.

He said the state government will supply sand at lower price compared to the price maintained by the previous TDP government. Jaggayyapet MLA Samineni Udaya Bhanu, Nandigama MLA M Jaganmohana Rao, Mylavaram MLA Vasanta Krishna Prasad, Mines and Geology official K Ram Gopal, Joint Collector K Madhavi Lata and others were present.