VIJAYAWADA: The significant gap between demand and supply for sand, coupled with the delay in implementation of the free sand policy has had a profound impact on the construction industry in NTR and Krishna districts.
Additionally, the demand and supply gap has led to the rise of a black market.
With the previous YSRC government proposing to establish three capitals in the State, construction activity in NTR and Guntur districts was largely suspended. However, after the TDP-led NDA formed the government, work in Amaravati capital city resumed. Builders are now waiting for the State government’s promised sand policy, which is scheduled to be implemented from October 15.
Speaking to this newspaper, CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) State President YV Ramana Rao said, “The main issue is the lack of supply. The government had announced that sand reaches would be opened from October 16. It will be important to compare price variations with previous years. Moreover, the online server used for booking sand at stock points is experiencing technical difficulties.”
Industry leaders have been urging the State government to implement the sand policy on schedule and resolve the online issues to address the growing concerns of both the construction sector and the general public.
Speaking on the issue, Principal Secretary for Revenue (Excise), Mining, and Geology Mukesh Kumar Meena said measures are in place to address the sand shortage.
1.4 cr MT of sand likely to be available by December
He pointed out that desiltation activities began on August 15, while manual reach operations will commence on October 16. He expects 1.25 crore metric tonnes of sand will be available soon. He added that semi-mechanised reaches are pending approval, which could add 1.4 crore metric tonnes sand by December.
It may be pointed out that currently no sand reaches are operational in the State. Only three stock points, located at Keesara, Moguluru, and Hanumanchipalli, are supplying sand in NTR district, while none are operational in Krishna district.
As many as 15 sand reaches have been reportedly identified in NTR district and eight in Krishna district. Of these, seven sand reaches in NTR are expected to become operational by October 16.
As of now, the official price of sand at stock points is Rs 290 per tonne, including transportation charges from the reaches to the stock points. Additional transportation costs will be applicable based on the distance to the customer’s location, said K Veera Swami, Assistant Geologist in NTR District’s Mining Department.
Although the government has asserted that the process to book sand is transparent, reports suggest that some people are placing orders online and diverting the free sand to the black market.
Solman Raju, a resident of Srikakulam village, said, “Villagers are forced to source sand from unauthorised reaches operating in places like Yanamalakuduru, Chodavaram, Kasineni Vari Palem, Royyuru, and Madduru.”
Speaking to TNIE, Krishna District Collector DK Balaji explained, “We have received complaints of illegal sand mining in a few areas. Patrolling has been intensified with joint efforts from the Revenue and Police departments. The bidding notification to supply sand will be issued Tuesday. Bids will be finalised by October 11 and operations will commence on October 16.”
Addressing the issue, NTR District Collector Dr G Srijana said, “We have received complaints regarding sand being booked online and sold in the black market. We will confirm the same and take strict against such illegal activities.”