NELLORE: In order to implement the TDP-led NDA government’s free sand policy effectively, Nellore district administration has set up three desiltation points to address the shortage of sand.
It may be noted that the approvals for sand excavation in regular reaches remain pending. Therefore, to overcome the shortage of sand, the authorities have set up desiltation points at Sangam Barrage (Sangam, Surayapalem) and Nellore Barrage (Pothireddypalem).
So far, approximately 7,500 metric tonnes of sand has been excavated from these three locations. Of this, nearly 6,400 tonnes were extracted from the Sangam point, 500 tonnes from Nellore Barrage, and 600 tonnes from Surayapalem.
The authorities are now preparing to transport the sand to designated yards, with plans to commence sales within the next one or two days. District-level committees have already decided on sand and transportation prices, with sand from the Bannur region set to be sold at Rs 380 per tonne. The committee has also resolved to periodically review and reduce these prices as needed, while ensuring no additional transportation charges are imposed on buyers.
Due to the depletion of sand stocks at yards in Marripadu, Minagallu, and Pallipadu, there is a sand shortage in the district. To address this, local authorities have accelerated efforts to make sand available through desiltation.
Applications from boatmen’s societies interested in participating in the desiltation process have been invited, and 15 societies have been empaneled. However, the arrival of boats has been delayed as most of them are currently stationed in flood-affected Vijayawada and Guntur districts.
At present, only one society is conducting desiltation work at each point. On Tuesday, the desiltation process began at Surayapalem and Pothireddypalem, with over 1,500 tonnes of sand being extracted daily. The district requires nearly four thousand tons of sand each day to meet demand.
Authorities have set up necessary infrastructure at yards near desiltation points to facilitate sand sales. CCTV cameras, computers, and printing machines have been installed, and in-charges have been appointed. Additionally, officials were trained on the policy’s implementation in Vijayawada.
“Sand orders can only be booked through the designated booking centre set up at the Tahsildar’s office, and only vehicles with valid invoices are allowed to enter into the sand stockyard. Any complaints regarding sand distribution can be reported via the toll-free number 0861-2943569,” said Nellore District Mines and Geology Officer Srinivasulu.
