Tirupati: Sand scarcity hits municipal civil works in pilgrim city

Tirupati: Sand scarcity hits all the construction works of municipal corporation works in city for the past several days. In recent months, sand cost has been rising abnormally and sand procurement is not available through government channel.

Contractors are forced to purchase sand through black causing additional financial burden to municipal contractors. Municipal Commissioner PS Girisha, on Monday, reviewed over incomplete works and expressed anger on contractors' attitude. He warned them to finish the works as per previously fixed deadlines.

It may be noted that MCT had taken various developmental works like bridges, drainage lines, laying of cement roads, ward secretariat buildings and other works. For all these works contractors have to procure the required sand. But contractors are facing hardships due to restrictions imposed by government.

District Officials had announced official sand reach at Penumallam of Yerpedu mandal for procuring sand. People can buy sand through AP Mineral Development Corporation official web site, and this web site is not opening properly for booking sand.

Contractors brought the sand scarcity issue to the notice of commissioner in review meeting. They said procuring of sand for construction works was turned as tough task. Hence most of the civil works in various colonies were kept pending.

Commissioner PS Girsiah assured to the contractors for providing of required sand for municipal works and added that shortly he will discuss the sand scarcity problem with Collector.