Sand woes continue in Tirupati

Tirupati: Due to the non-availability of sand at government official reaches, builders and individuals are facing hardships for procuring sand for construction works in Tirupati and other parts in the district.

It may be noted that District Collector directed the officials to make use of two reaches, one at Penumallam near Papanaidu Peta of Yerpedu Mandal and another one at Gundlu near Valimikpuram Mandal. But sufficient sand stocks are not available in these two reaches and people are approaching the black market sand transporters.

Four months after imposing ban on sand transportation, AP Minerals Development Corporation (APMDC) district officials have failed in providing required sand to the needy people.

At present, individuals in city are purchasing a tractor load of sand between Rs 4,000-4500, instead of earlier rate of Rs 1,500. On the outskirts of towns, tractor owners are supplying sand between Rs 2,500-3000.

For the last one month, several individuals have been trying to book sand through APMDC official website, but it is not opening at any day. The site is not opened at E-seva centres also. As such, people eare approaching black marketeers for procuring sand for construction works.

Many tractor owners are utilising this chance and enhanced the sand rates abnormally. The officials are not showing interest to solve the problems of public.

As an eyewash District Collector and Sub Collectors conduct review meetings every week.

A builder in Tirupati city N Ganjendra Reddy speaking to The Hans India said, " We are purchasing a tractor sand Rs 4,500 in the city. Daily we are trying to book sand through APMDC website but it is not functioning properly".