To meet rising demand from industry and construction sector, the district administration has identified nearly 20 sand reaches spread over different places along the Penna river and other locations in Nellore district for free sand lifting under the new policy of the State government.
The district-level sand committee has also reviewed the situation in view of the emerging demands and cleared free sand transportation from the identified sand reaches. However, preconditions were set that transportation of the sand should be carried out without causing any environmental damage.
At the same time, the district officials have also taken steps to see that there will not be any illegal transportation of sand to neighbouring States and also for prevention of its illegal storage by the unscrupulous elements.
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District Collector M. Janaki has instructed the officials of the revenue, mines and geology and other departments to make sure that the new sand policy will be implemented to the satisfaction of the stake holders. Also, steps are to be taken to prevent any trouble to the local communities and villagers because of the free sand transportation.
The 20 sand reaches identified in the present phase are located Jammipalem, Gollakanduru, Apparaopalem, Lingamgunta, Mamuduru, Minagallu, Mudivarthipalem, Padamati Kambhampadu, Padamatipalem, Pallipadu, Pottepalem, Sajjapuram and Surayapalem.
The local officials are told to see that the dumping points at the permitted sand reaches be developed without inconveniencing people in the surrounding habitations.
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Following complaints over the illegal storage of sand, the officials will form teams to inspect the suspected locations and check if sand is stored there above permitted quantities. The representatives of the industries and factories in the Nellore district were also told to lift the sand required to meet their needs under the new policy in close coordination with the local public and officials.
A special sand reach was proposed to be allocated for the industry, which is under consideration.
Special check -posts
To prevent illegal inter-State sand transportation, three special check-posts are proposed at the Tada integrated check-post on the border with Tamil Nadu. In addition to this, information of vehicles carrying sand will be made available online so as to prevent any miscommunication and illegal transportation.