CM announces free sand for Indiramma housing

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy orders officials to provide free sand for Indiramma houses, cracking down on sand smuggling and black marketing.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ordered officials to take measures to supply sand free of cost for construction of Indiramma houses. The top officials have been asked to take steps to supply sand at low prices to the common people for other constructions.

At a review meeting with Mining department officials here on Monday, Mr. Reddy instructed the officials to pay pending bills immediately and make available sand to the poor by curbing black marketing. Stringent action will be taken against the sand mafia, he told the meeting. He ordered officials to immediately conduct inspections at sand reaches and take action if anyone is involved in sand smuggling. Special officers will be appointed to monitor sand smuggling. District Collectors and SPs are being entrusted with the responsibility. Further, he said HYDRAA is assigned to curb sand smuggling in Hyderabad and strict Vigilance and Enforcement would be in place against sand smuggling. “Solar lights and 360-degree cameras would be installed at every sand reach, entry and exit points along with strong fencing at sand stockyards,” he directed the officials.

The Chief Minister said steps will be be taken to empanel registered lorries for transportation and ensure that sand reaches the consumer within 48 hours of booking. He wanted the officials to develop a system, wherein the sand is transported to the consumer from the nearest sand reach area-wise.

A special portal would be developed to resolve consumer issues and address the grievances as soon as the problem arises. Steps would be taken to ensure that sand is sold only at a fixed price. A tracking system would also be developed for sand transporting vehicles to curb illegal transportation. The Chief Minister suggested several changes in the online booking system. Sand booking hours would be made available only during office timings. Action would be taken against officials who colluded with the illegal transporters. Mr. Reddy said he would personally conduct surprise inspections, if necessary. The CM asked the officials to hand over responsibilities to the permanent employees in a transparent manner without any place for irregularities.