Sand prices skyrocket

With the government dilly-dallying on sand policy, sand mafia in East Godavari district is having a free rein. A lorry load of sand is being sold anywhere between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000

Rajahmundry: Bizarre situation is prevailing in the East Godavari district as far as the sand is concerned. There are abundant sand deposits in the river Godavari, but the people in the district are struggling for sand to construct houses.

Sand mafia in the district is dictating the terms as the common man has no option other than purchasing sand at exorbitant prices.

Due to the lack of continuity in the supply, the so-called sand mafia is making money by taking advantage of the inefficiency of the State government.

The government’s decision to hand over the management of sand reaches to Dwacra women backfired due to the influence of the local people’s representatives.

The State government has called for tenders on 13th of this month for seven sand reaches out 20 reaches in the district. But, the bidders have quoted more than Rs 500 per cubic meter against the guidelines of the government. The government has cancelled the tenders and recalled for tenders on Monday.

With the State government failing to take swift decision and playing delaying tactics, it is helping the sand mafia. Common man is purchasing lorry load of sand, which is five units, by shelling out Rs 25,000 to 40,000 against the price fixed by the government which is Rs 500 per cubic meter.

Due to the delay in formulating concrete sand policy, the sand deposits in stock points is being sold at higher prices for common man. More delay means, more profits for sand mafia.

The construction sector is badly affected for the last two years and consumers, labour, bankers who lend loans to consumers as well as to builders, traders and builders are in dire straits due to artificial shortage created.
The government introduced GPS tracking system for lorries transporting sand, but is not working and illegal excavation is going on unabated. It is very clear that ministry concerned and bureaucrats failed completely to stop illegal sand excavation from sand reaches.

Treasurer, CREDAI, AP Chapter, Buddiga Srinivas wondered why the government which could easily solve the liquor policy very quickly fails to bring an effective sand policy.

He explained that the government is not heeding to their suggestion of selecting the as the government is doing in liquor auctions. He did also questioned on why the government is failing to set up electronic toll gates at every sand reach after sealing other routes in order to prevent illegal transportation.

He did also mention that government is not fixing CC cameras at sand reaches to stop irregularities. He expressed doubts over the intention of the government in fixing sand policy.

BJP MLA from Rajahmundry city Dr Akula Satyannarayana alleged that the government’s decision to give permission to sell the sand deposits stores and stock points helping the sand mafia and common is suffering severely.

He said: “State government is spending hundreds of crore on schemes like Chandranna Kanuka which are useful for couple of days, and urged the government to give sand free of cost for the people instead of spending on such schemes”.

He further went on saying that even government could ask the people to contribute to fill up the deficit caused by the loss of income from selling sand.