RAJAHMUNDRY: With the government yet to conduct auctions for sand reaches in the district, the sand mafia is taking a huge advantage of the situation. At present, a lorry load of sand costs `40,000 in the district.
The government, which announces the excise policy every year as per schedule, for some reason has not announced the sand policy this year. With this, the sand mafia is resorting to illegal quarrying and transportation of the same to far off places. Unauthorised sand quarrying is a naked truth. But, officials of the Mines and Geology and Revenue departments are keeping mum in this regard. The Mines and Geology Department has expressed its helplessness due to lack of adequate staff. When contacted, Mines and Geology (vigilance) assistant director Subba Rao said check-posts were arranged to prevent unauthorised transportation of sand. “There is a heavy shortage in the vigilance wing and we have to take the assistance of revenue and police departments whenever necessary,” he added.