New sand mining policy unveiled

Andhra Pradesh Mines and Geology Minister Galla Aruna Kumari today announced  a slew of measures on the mining, transport and supply of sand unveiling the government's new policy.

It remains to be seen whether the policy spelt out by the government will be carried out on the ground.

    New policies

• Sand price fixed at Rs 325 per cubic metre.

•  Sand to be supplied free of cost for Indiramma housing scheme for the weaker sections of society.

• Entire money earned by the government through royalty to be deposited in the accounts of  zilla parishads concerned.

• The use of machinery for mining on river beds banned.

•  District authorities to decide on sand rates.

•  Sand mining  and  reaches to be done through a lottery system.

• The policy would also apply to those already quarrying sand.

• Permission to quarry land in registered lands (patta land)

•  Sand in small riverbeds and canals made free for use in villages.

• Transport of sand to other states banned.

• Sand taken from the reservoirs to be used for constructing government buildings.

The minister warned that if anyone was found violating the regulations, the department would cancel the mining license and seize the machinery.

- Siva@sakshipost