Stockyards ready for distribution of sand in Nellore

Nellore: Officials estimated around 3.8 lakh cubic metres of sand is available in the district at an identified 12 reaches spread in an around 42 hectares in which 6 reaches selected for distribution. The sand reaches are located in Nellore rural, Anantasagaram, Atmakur, Podalakur, Buchireddipalem and Vidavaluru mandals.

Sand from the sand reach would be shifted to stockyards in the concerned areas where the distribution is done. Contractors would be involved in the activity and APMDC officials would monitor the process.

Now, the vehicles that are being used for transporting sand should have GPS for continuous monitoring of their movements. District officials said that any vehicle that carries sand from the stockyard up to the place of the consumer should have the equipment connected to the administrative servers.

"Every vehicle used for transporting sand should have GPS based Vehicle Tracking Device (VTD) and they should register the details on www.mines.ap.gov.in before starting the activity. People can register on www.sand.ap.gov.in and book their requirement after paying the prescribed charges selecting the stock point of their choice.

They have to show the receipt at the stockyard for supply of sand," said E Narasimha Reddy, Assistant Director of Mines and Geology. He added that the consumer can also engage their own vehicles for transporting sand which should also be registered with the government.

Further, there are 4 reaches in Pottepalem village of Nellore rural mandal which spread in and around 17 hectares. A dumping yard is also arranged in the area for operational convenience. Another dumping yard is being arranged at Jonnawada for shifting sand from Sajjapuram, Golla Kandukuru and Minagallu reaches which is located 5 km away from the reaches.

A stockyard is located close to Anantasagaram, Padamati Kambhampadu and Lingamgunta areas. Vidavaluru is also having a yard where stocks would be managed within distance of 2 km from the reach. Stockyard is arranged in Viruvuru in Podalakur mandal close to the reach for distribution purpose.

Atmakur mandal is having Apparaopalem reach and the yard is located in Battepadu which is managed by private persons. Not only 12 reaches there is availability of 1.79 lakh cubic metres of sand in another two reaches that are having no environment clearances.

City population who requires sand have to spend at least Rs 2,150 for a tractor load. Cost of four tonnes of sand is Rs 1,500 and transport cost is Rs 650 within a radius of 10 km.