Telangana unveils sand policy

Hyderabad: The TRS government has unveiled the much-awaited sand policy of the Telangana state, scrapping the existing system of allocation of sand reaches by draw of lots. The sand policy which was announced on Friday has targeted to arrest the leakages of revenue in the present sand policy. The new policy will come into force with immediate effect.

• Draw of lots method done away with
• TSMDC to play a key role
• At least 50% rock sand in govt works
• Streams or rivulets for local bodies only
• No mechanical means to be allowed

According to the new policy, sand in village streams or rivulets will be exclusively earmarked to the local body, government-sponsored weaker section housing schemes and villagers domestic needs. The excavation and transportation of sand shall be manual and no mechanical means be allowed and no sand be allowed outside the local jurisdiction.

Meanwhile sand in left banks of Tungabhadra River, Krishna River including project backwaters, Godavari River and its tributaries and all project de-siltation areas will be allowed for mining subject to WALTA rules and regulations. The feasible areas for sand mining will be allotted to the Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (TSMDC) for excavation, regulation and supply of sand. The TSMDC will then obtain all statutory clearances like EC, Mining Plan, and Environment Management Plan etc.

Once Pollution Control Board’s clearance is obtained extraction of sand will begin. Sand available by way of de-silting of reservoirs will also be allowed for mining and the same shall be identified in consultation with the Irrigation Department. The TSMDC will appoint contractors for the sand reaches identified under a strict competitive bidding process. The sand so excavated will be moved to stockyards managed by the TSMDC. The stockyards could be near the sand reach.

Sale of sand to all consumers, small, medium or large, will be from these stockyards, which will be controlled by electronic surveillance (CCTVs) and electronic documentation linked to a central documentation monitoring facility. The way-bills for transportation of sand should have the security seal of the TSMDC and will be stamped with date and time. The vehicles will be tracked by way of GPS. Any sand lorry found without TSMDC way-bill will be illegal and the vehicle should be seized.