Tirupati: Mining officials told to identify more sand reaches

Tirupati: District Collector Dr N Bharat Gupta has directed the mining department officials to identify more sand reaches and bring them into utilisation from November 1.

He reviewed the implementation of sand policy in Chittoor district with mining officials along with Tirupati Urban SP Gajarao Bhupal in Tirupati on Wednesday.

He said more small sand reaches were required for household consumption purposes. After identifying such reaches, permission has to be obtained from local Gram Sachivalayams. The Collector made it clear that sand transport limits should not exceed 20 km and mining officials have to issue notification on sand reaches. He warned against the use of tippers by three or four people after obtaining permission for tractors and such tippers will be seized.

Urban SP Gajarao Bhupal said that if anybody violates the rules under the sand policy and transports sand against norms police will take action. Check-posts were being set up and bulk transport will be controlled. Tirupati RDO V Kanaka Narasa Reddy, Mines department Deputy Director Satyanarayana Reddy, Assistant Director Venkateswarlu and other officials participated.