Minister warns against illegal sand minning

Tadepalligudem: Minister for Mining and Geology R Venkata Sujaya Ranga Rao reiterated that the state government would not tolerate illegal sand mining and its illegal transportation in the state. He said that stringent action would be initiated against such transporters who indulge in illegal sand minning.

The Minister reached Tadepalligudem town here on Thursday to participate in the development programmes with Endowments Minister Pydikondala Manikyala Rao. Speaking at the Minister’s Camp office here on Thursday, Minister Ranga Rao warned that stringent action would be taken against the smugglers.

He said that a special officer in the revenue department would be appointed as superintendent to curb illegal transport. He said that the officials would take steps to earn hundred per cent income to the government through the department of mines.

He said that special teams have been set up district-wise over the last 10 days to control the illegal transport of the mining sources. He also said that steps have been taken up to supply sand to the common man on the fixed rates and if anyone sold them at higher prices, they would be dealt with seriously.

Later, the two Ministers participated in the development programmes arranged locally. They inaugurated the mandal agricultural assistant officers (regular) building and mandal agriculture officer’s office. They also distributed agricultural equipment, Rythu Radham to 75 farmers.

Kapu Corporation Director Yarra Naveen, ATMA Chairman Chanti, Municipal vice-chairman Kiladi Prasad, BJP leaders Eggina Nagababu, Etakota Tataji, Pothula Annavaram, Kanchumarti Nageswra Rao and others participated in the programmes.