Nod for 21 sand reaches in Godavari downstream

Rajahmundry: The East Godavari district administration has decided to open Dowleswaram desiltation ramp from Sunday to enable direct selling of sand to general public in a bid to overcome shortage of sand.

The decision was announced at the meeting of district-level sand committee, held at the camp office at Kakinada under District Collector Neetu Prasad. The committee has also decided to supply sand at the rate of five units per individual by paying the rate prescribed by the State government.

"In the process of desiltation in Godavari river above the barrage, 15,000 tonne of sand was already desilted and supplied to government, but keeping in view of the demand from general public it has been decided to open it for public also," the Collector said. The committee has decided to take up desiltation work in Godavari at Katheru near Rajahmundry as approved by government.

"21 reaches in Godavri downstream have received environmental clearance, which would start very soon," she said and directed the Project Director (PD), DRDA, to start mining at seven reaches from tomorrow onwards where ramps are available. She also directed ramp repair works at different places to facilitate transportation of sand for which money will be paid by concerned Self Help Groups.

"Proposals were sent to 27 reaches for environmental clearance, out of which 21 reaches were cleared. Proposals for 13 new reaches would be sent soon," the collector added. She also directed the mines and vigilance & enforcement department to control illegal mining of sand and take stringent against sand mafia.