Anantapur: Steps mooted for hassle-free sand supply says Principal Secretary Gopala Krishna Dwivedi

Anantapur: State Mines and Geology Principal Secretary Gopala Krishna Dwivedi has assured people of the state of hassle-free supply of sand to building constructions sector.

The Principal Secretary Dwivedi held a review with District Collector Gandham Chandrudu online on sand availability in the district, on Monday, and said that recently a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy had discussed ways and means of supplying sand to anyone hassle-free.

One of the ways is increasing online booking time and door delivery of sand to customers. Also, CC cameras have been installed at sand reaches, stock points and at designated places. Those indulging in illegal sand quarrying would be liable to 2 years imprisonment and a penalty of Rs.2 lakhs, he said.

Dwivedi said that those having high speed internet were able to book their orders depriving sand availability to others for construction activity. The Chief Minister has also authorised free supply of sand to those residing near river and lake banks and water bodies by means of bullock-carts.

The new system is also aimed at preventing sand mafia and smugglers. Every day sand quarrying is permitted to an extent of 1.25 lakh metric tonnes. The same will be increased to 3 lakh metric tonnes, he further said.

Special technical teams have been pressed into services to monitor sand quarrying and the sand quality. All bulk orders will be processed by the Joint Collector concerned.

Dwivedi said that 70 lakh metric tonnes will be made available during the rainy season for the people.