Vijayawada: One kilogram of sand now costs more than a kilogram of rice which is sold for rupees one at the fair price shops. Thanks to the delay in implementation of the government’s new sand policy.
The traders are selling the 50 kg bag of sand at 120, which makes the rate of one kg of sand more than rupees two.
The delay in the AP government’s sand policy resulted in suspension of sand quarrying and non-availability of sand, for which the construction activity came to a standstill in the capital zone. This has resulted in loss of livelihood for more than 25 lakh people.
Several builders are expressing concern over this stalemate as they are incurring huge losses due to suspension of construction activity. Though, all works are suspended now, the builders have to pay heavy interest on the money invested in construction sector.
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Credai, state president A. Siva Reddy said that the construction activity in the capital zone came to a halt due to lack of sand. He said that a lorry full of sand costs around Rs 40,000 at present, against Rs 9,000 in the past.
The assistant director of mining B. Ramachandra Rao said that the subject is now under the DRDA project director P. Rajanikanta Rao, who said that the irrigation department identified three sand reaches in Krishna district and sent sent proposals to the Union ministry of environment for necessary clearance for sand mining. But, there has been no reply.
