Sand Mafia still Continuing in Vizag

Vishakapatnam, June 30: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Visakhapatnam chapter chairman GVVS Narayana expressed displeasure on AP Govt's free sand policy seems to be failing in front of the sand mafia, and the purpose is being defeated.

The government needs to take prompt action to curb the activities of sand mafia, as it has started hampering construction work in the State, which is also affecting the government housing programs, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he told reporters here on Thursday.

"After the announcement of a policy of free sand supply, the cost of the sand per truckload, come down to Rs. 12,000 (loading, unloading and transport charges), which was Rs. 35,000 previously. But the sand mafia has again come in action and the costs have gone up to around Rs. 25,000 per truckload," he added.

"The transportation of sand between Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam has become difficult, despite the policy. Srikakulam police have seized around 150 trucks in last few weeks and the penalties were charged. On the other hand, transportation is smooth in Rajahmundry," Mr. Narayana and Mr. Koteswara Rao pointed out.

The officers have appealed the government for the effective implementation of the policy, as it is affecting the infrastructural development of Visakhapatnam.