Rules for new sand policy set by Telangana govt

Hyderabad: Telangana government on Thursday issued rules for sand policy that was unveiled on December 12 last year. The feasible areas will be allotted to the Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (TSMDC) for excavation, regulation and supply of sand henceforth.

The TSMDC will engage raising contractors from the specified sand bearing areas 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 purchaser of the sand shall pay the sale price to TSMDC and obtain transit pass or way-bill. The way-bill 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 will be seized.

Meanwhile, the government constituted state and district level committees for monitoring purpose. Chief Secretary will act as the chairman of the State Level Sand Committee which has DGP and principal secretaries of various departments as members among others. Likewise, District Level Sand Committee comprises Collector and Joint Collector among others. Crushed stone sand

With an aim to promoting use of crushed stone stand, TS government has decided to extend incentives like VAT and preference in quarry lease to units manufacturing this type of sand. In addition, government departments shall be mandated to use at least 50 per cent of manufactured sand in government constructions.