New sand reaches identified, some await environmental nod

Rajahmundry: The delay in unveiling the new sand policy has led to job losses in construction and allied sectors. For the last three months there is little construction activity due to dearth of sand near Godavari. Many sand reaches were closed, and floods added to the shortage of sand in Rajahmundry.
The new sand policy will be in force from September 5. According to mining authorities, the new policy has identified new sand reaches.
For example, reaches in Ankampalem-2, Rajavaram Velecheru-2, Muramalla-2, Ubalanka, Mandapalli-1, Pulidindi-2, Vemagiri, Kadiyapulanka-3, Ravulapalem-2, Jonnada-4, Vangalapudi, Vaddiparru-2 and Gopalapuram-3 in East Godavari are identified and proposed to the government.
But some sand reaches are yet to get environmental clearances. Excavation is going on at Kethavari Lanka, Bridge Lanka and Venkatanagaram ramps whereas mining was stopped at Pasuvullanka-2, Kapileswarapuram, Korumilli, Kothapeta, Kedarlanka and Ahtryapura,-2, P Gannavaram and Jonnallanka ramps due to floods.
Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation, which is monitoring the new sand policy, has not set up weighing machines at sand reaches, stock points to store sand and CCTV cameras so far.
Arrangements for hassle-free supply of sand at affordable price are taking place at snail’s pace. Meanwhile, officials have informed the ministry that there are 46 stock points in the state. They also told the ministry that environmental and other clearances will be taken for 124 sand reaches by the end of this month.
It is learnt that only 80% clearances have been issued with one week remaining for the unveiling of the policy. On the other side, the state government is making arrangements to set up stock points in places like Visakhapatnam where availability of sand is scarce. It is not clear that whether the government will make arrangements for transport of sand or the consumer has to bear the burden.

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