The GO stated that sand would be supplied to consumers without any charges, except the cost of operations and the necessary levies and taxes.
Published Jul 08, 2024 | 4:27 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2024 | 4:27 PM
Sand mining. (iStock)
The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday, 8 July, implemented the free sand policy to ensure “transparent and accessible sand transportation across the state”.
The state government withdrew all existing sand policies and implemented the interim order effective from Monday till the Andhra Pradesh Sand Mining Policy, 2024 is formulated.
The Government Order (GO) stated that sand would be supplied to consumers without any charges, except the cost of operations and the necessary levies and taxes.
“Sand is a basic input for the construction sector, which employs a large number of people, directly and indirectly. Unless the cost of sand is kept under reasonable check, there is the likelihood of adverse socio-economic consequences of unemployment, loss of wages and impact on the investment climate and industrialisation process in the state,” the order said.
“It is the obligation of the state government to ensure that sand, which is an essential ingredient of construction activities such as irrigation works, infrastructure projects, capital buildings, etc., is available at reasonable cost to the consumers,” it added.
Effective today, the Free Sand Supply policy has been officially launched, ensuring transparent and accessible sand transportation across the state. The government is fully prepared for the seamless implementation of this initiative. pic.twitter.com/SBEdihHU7p
— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) July 8, 2024
The government also constituted the District Level Sand Committees (DLSC) to oversee and manage the operations.
Each DLSC will have the respective district collectors as its chairman and will comprise officials including the Superintendent of Police (SP), Joint Collector, Sub-Collector/RDO and others.
The government order also mentioned the objectives of implementing the new order.
The DLSC will take over the existing stock maintained at private depots.
It will also undertake de-siltation of reservoirs across the state to enhance the water storage capacity after preparing a feasibility report and obtaining permission from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
“There shall be no revenue share to the Government under this policy. However, the cost of operations, along with statutory levies & taxes shall be charged to the consumers,” the order said.
It added that the DLSCs would be authorised to modify these rates, wherever necessary, taking into consideration the changes in operating costs or levies and taxes from time to time.
“To prevent hoarding/ black marketing of sand and ensure availability of sand for a larger number of consumers, each consumer shall be permitted to purchase a maximum of 20 MT per day till supplies stabilise,” the order said.
However, the government prohibited stocking sand more than the requirement for own construction, re-sale of sand, transportation of sand to other states, using sand for filling purposes or any other purpose, other than building construction.
The order said that stringent action, including filing criminal cases and hefty penalties, would be imposed upon violations of the norms.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
