Want to a load of sand delivered right on your doorstep? Yes, river sand can now be ordered from your mobile phone through a mobile application — Mana Sand — which is available on the android and IOS platforms.
The latest technological intervention is expected to ease the travails of people who are forced to buy sand at higher prices. Though the State government has brought in free sand policy, the exorbitant cost of transportation, the uncertainty over the delivery and allegations over exploitation of sand reaches has led to widespread criticism of the policy. Now, with the launch of the app, users have a choice of ordering sand from any reach, track the order and pre-pay online.
General users can now register by using their mobile numbers and order sand from the nearest sand reaches. They have to specify the volume (3,6, 12 cubic metres) depending on the type of lorry and set the delivery location, including a landmark.
The estimated details are also provided and users have to confirm booking. The transporter, who gets the order, confirms it and begins transportation, categorised into general and CRDA construction firms. Users can also track the vehicle by using the order number.
Tracking system
The dashboard also presents a ringside view of transportation of sand across 178 reaches in the State. Sand reaches along the Krishna river in Guntur and Krishna districts are the most preferred locations. Details of sand utilisation in commercial, domestic and government civil works are also available. The GPS-enabled tracking system also gives details of total number of delivered vehicles.
Vijayawada-based Blue Frog Mobile Technologies, which has designed the app, is now gearing up to bring the technology to 12 sand reaches in the district.
At a review meeting held on Monday, district Collector Kona Sasidhar said that people in the district can order sand from their mobile phones after the infrastructure is in place. He directed the Superintending Engineer, SPDCL, to complete electrification of all sand reaches.
