What Steps is Andhra Pradesh CM Taking to Prevent Misuse of Free Sand Policy?
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Synopsis
In a recent meeting, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu took decisive actions to safeguard the free sand policy from misuse. He emphasized technology, revenue targets, and community support to enhance mining practices while ensuring transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Strict measures to prevent misuse of free sand policy.
- Installation of CCTV cameras at borders for vigilance.
- Real Time Governance Society to monitor sand distribution.
- Revenue target set for Rs 3,320 crore in 2025-26.
- Empowerment of Vaddera community through mining lease guidelines.
Amaravati, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, convened a meeting on Friday, urging officials to implement stringent actions to avert the misuse of the free sand policy by certain vested interests.
During a review of the mining sector held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to the “people first” principle while executing the free sand policy.
Officials reported to the Chief Minister that the state currently holds 43 lakh tonnes of sand. He instructed them to enhance vigilance against sand smuggling by deploying CCTV cameras at state borders. The Chief Minister asserted the need for monitoring the distribution system of free sand through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS).
Officials also shared that a revenue target of Rs 3,320 crore through mining has been set for the financial year 2025-26. Compared to previous years, there is potential for a 34 percent increase in revenue from mines this year, with manganese expected to yield the highest revenue at 74 percent.
CM Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the necessity for adding value to mining products, citing that Odisha has successfully generated Rs 50,000 crore solely from mining.
He expressed his belief that by developing a robust vision plan, Andhra Pradesh could potentially earn an additional Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 crore. He instructed officials to expedite the clearance of 6,500 pending applications for mining leases.
The Chief Minister directed that guidelines be established to allocate 15 percent of mines to the Vaddera community, along with a 50 percent subsidy in seigniorage and premium to assist them in establishing MSMEs.
He also requested officials to explore the potential for raw material supply to the Kadapa steel plant.
He underscored the importance of utilizing technology to monitor mining activities, advocating the use of satellite imagery and drones for analysis.
The Minister for Mining, Kollu Ravindra, along with other officials, were present during the review.
Point of View
The measures being implemented by Andhra Pradesh's leadership reflect a commendable commitment to transparency and community involvement in mining policies. By focusing on technology and local empowerment, the government is setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the mining sector.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the free sand policy in Andhra Pradesh?
The free sand policy in Andhra Pradesh allows residents to access sand without cost, aimed at supporting local construction while preventing illegal sand mining activities.
How much revenue is projected from mining in 2025-26?
The projected revenue from mining for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs 3,320 crore, with expectations for increased earnings based on previous years' performance.
What is the role of technology in mining monitoring?
Technology plays a crucial role in monitoring mining activities, with plans to use satellite imagery and drones for real-time analysis to prevent illegal practices.
Who will benefit from the mining lease guidelines?
The new guidelines aim to allocate 15 percent of mining leases to the Vaddera community, supporting their development through subsidies.
What measures are being taken against sand smuggling?
To combat sand smuggling, measures include installing CCTV cameras at state borders and closely monitoring the distribution system through the Real Time Governance Society.
