Collector inspects sand reach in Kanchikacharla mandal

Vijayawada: District Collector B Lakshmikantham on Sunday made a surprise check of Chevitikallu sand reach of Kanchikacharla mandal and enquired about the free sand supply and collection of transport charges fixed by the district administration.

He spoke to the local villagers and enquired about the cases of sand smuggling or illegal transportation of sand from reach. Officials of revenue, mines and geology and vigilance accompanied the Collector. In Vijayawada revenue division limits, the officials booked 41 cases on sand smuggling and illegal quarrying in the last few days. The District Collector in a press release on Sunday said 17 cases were booked in Vijayawada rural mandal, 16 cases in Jaggaiahpet mandal and five in Veerulapadu mandal.

He warned that if necessary PD Act will be implemented on the sand smugglers and asked the officials to be on high alert to check illegal sand quarrying. He said the government is implementing free sand policy for the benefit of the common man.