Kakinada: Sand scarcity continues to haunt East Godavari district

Kakinada: With scarcity of sand continuing, the construction activity has been severely hit in East Godavari district. The worst-hit are the construction workers. Sand scarcity has posed a major problem in the district. The government is also losing huge revenue. Contractors are worried as monsoon is likely set in within a fortnight.

Former Godavari Urban Development Authority Director (GUDA) and Civil construction Engineer Gati Satyanarayana told The Hans India here on Wednesday that the officials had failed to address the problem. Satyanarayana said the online booking process is coming to an end within 10 to 15 minutes.

Gold and silver can be purchased freely in the open market, but not the sand,he said. Construction activity is possible during summer only. But the government said sand would be supplied during rainy season. He termed the decision as foolish.

He said electricians, carpenters, plumbers, fabricators, painters, glass workers, interior designers and others were depending on the construction sector for their livelihood. The construction workers cannot do other works.

BJP Kissan Nation Executive Member Yarlagadda Ram Kumar said 1.40 metric tonnes of sand was kept in the Kakinada stock point. Construction workers were severely hit due to scarcity of sand. Online booking of sand can be done at midnight only, he said. He demanded that the government supply sand to revive construction activity.