When YCP was in opposition, it was highly critical about TDP’s ‘free’ sand policy. The controversial free sand policy was junked by YS Jagan who has announced a new sand policy.
Soon after Jagan sworn-in as the CM, a ban was imposed on sand mining on and transportation of sand on June 12th. Panchayat Raj and Rural Development and Mines and Geology Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has then stated that the government is taking steps to end illegal mining and smuggling of sand.
He said 20 to 25 percent of state government’s income comes from mining and said it is taking steps to curb illegal mining and thus increase the state’s revenue. It was alleged that the mineral wealth of the state was looted by previous government and it was alleged that the state suffered huge losses due to the free sand policy. YCP leaders alleged that only the TDP leaders have gained with the free sand policy.
Meanwhile, the new sand policy in Andhra Pradesh will come into force from September 5, 2019. The state government has decided to sell the sand legally through APMDC (Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation). CM Jagan has asked officials to sell the sand at lower price than the existing price. He said stockyards would be set up at the Sand reaches. As per the fresh policy, receipts are mandatory to transport the sand from reaches to stockyard. It is also learnt that the state government would be installing the CCTVs near sand reaches in order to curb illegal mining. He said district officials will be made responsible if illegal mining is reported or come into light.
