The chief minister also ordered officials to conduct inspections at sand reaches and take action against those involved in sand smuggling.
Published Feb 11, 2025 | 2:24 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 11, 2025 | 2:24 PM
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Synopsis: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to provide free sand for Indiramma House beneficiaries. He emphasized curbing black marketing, sand smuggling, and illegal transportation. Special officers will monitor illegal activities, and a dedicated portal will address consumer grievances. Sand will be sold at fixed prices, with enhanced monitoring and stricter regulations.
Ahead of the notification for local body elections anytime, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure the supply of sand free of cost for Indiramma Houses and to take measures to provide sand at affordable prices for the general public.
This measure would be a great relief to those who have been sanctioned Indiramma Houses. Under the scheme, the government pays ₹5 lakh if the beneficiary has land for the construction of a house. Now, the landowner, who has been allotted an Indiramma House, need not pay for the sand, which comes as a bonus to them.
The chief minister, at a review meeting with officials on Monday, 10 February, asked them to curb black marketing and make sand accessible to the poor. He warned that those who try to rig the sand prices artificially would be dealt with an iron hand.
The chief minister ordered officials to conduct inspections at sand reaches and take action against those involved in sand smuggling.
Special officers have been assigned to monitor illegal activities closely. Additionally, the Collectors and SPs are responsible for overseeing the special officers’ efforts in combating the sand mafia.
In Hyderabad, HYDRAA has been entrusted with the responsibility of curbing sand smuggling.
Authorities will enforce strict vigilance against sand smuggling and take measures to curb the practice. They will install 360-degree cameras, solar lights, and secure fencing at sand stockyards. To strengthen monitoring, they will also set up entry and exit points.
In an attempt to streamline sand transportation, only registered trucks would be empanelled, ensuring that sand reaches consumers within 48 hours of booking. A structured system is also expected to be developed to supply sand from the nearest sand reaches based on location.
A dedicated portal will soon be launched to address consumer grievances and ensure swift resolution of issues. Sand will be sold at fixed prices, and a vehicle tracking system will be introduced to prevent illegal transportation.
The chief minister further proposed several changes to the online booking system, restricting sand booking to office hours. Officials found colluding with illegal transporters will face music, regardless of their station in the government.
Revanth Reddy also emphasized that he will personally conduct surprise inspections if necessary. He also directed officials to assign responsibilities transparently to permanent employees, ensuring no room for irregularities.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
