VIJAYAWADA: Rising sand price has become a major concern for builders across the district. Sand price rose by 2,000 per truck despite abundant availability. Many builders have stalled the works temporarily.
Not even a single sand reach in NTR district has got environment clearance. But contract agencies are at liberty to mine sand from the reaches.
Sand mining has become rampant at Chevitikallu, Vani Atkuru and Munneru rivulet. A few gangs swung into action in November last and are selling sand without proper way bills.
Sand reach operators increased sand price by 100 per tonne from Saturday and many truck owners opposed the move. Tractor and lorry owners argued with the operators questioning the additional charges, but to no avail.
Reach operators said they have spent huge money on developing way to the reach and are collecting additional charges to cover the costs.
Truck operators challenged the hike and refused to transport the sand. Builders and people constructing houses condemned the sudden hike in sand price.
“Skyrocketing price of sand has shown severe impact on construction industry. Owning a home is the dream of common man. But it is getting costly with the sand prices. Fluctuations in sand prices are common in the rainy season. But sand mafia is thriving and increasing the cost whenever they want. Government is publishing sand prices regularly, but still the mafia is free to collect additional amounts from builders,” said K Rambabu, a city-based builder.
When TOI contacted the mining authorities over the additional charges collected, they said no sand reach in the district has environmental clearance. They added they will soon launch a special drive and take stringent action against the violators.
