Thu Sep 12 03:50:30 UTC 2024: ## Nellore District Tackles Sand Shortage with Desiltation Program
**NELLORE:** The Nellore district administration has launched a desiltation program to address the ongoing sand shortage in the region, in line with the TDP-led NDA government’s free sand policy.
With approvals for sand excavation in regular reaches pending, authorities have set up three desiltation points at Sangam Barrage (Sangam, Surayapalem) and Nellore Barrage (Pothireddypalem). So far, approximately 7,500 metric tonnes of sand have been extracted from these locations.
To facilitate distribution, sand is being transported to designated yards, with sales expected to begin within the next two days. A district-level committee has determined sand and transportation prices, setting sand from the Bannur region at Rs 380 per tonne. This price is subject to periodic review and reduction as needed, with no additional transportation charges imposed on buyers.
The desiltation initiative is a direct response to the depletion of sand stocks at yards in Marripadu, Minagallu, and Pallipadu. Applications from boatmen’s societies interested in participating in the desiltation process were invited, resulting in the empanelment of 15 societies. However, the arrival of boats has been delayed due to flood-related challenges in Vijayawada and Guntur.
Currently, one society is conducting desiltation work at each point, extracting over 1,500 tonnes of sand daily. The district requires nearly 4,000 tonnes of sand each day to meet demand.
To ensure smooth sales, authorities have established necessary infrastructure at yards near desiltation points, including CCTV cameras, computers, printing machines, and designated in-charges. Officials have also received training on the policy’s implementation in Vijayawada.
Sand orders can only be booked through a designated booking centre at the Tahsildar’s office, and only vehicles with valid invoices are allowed to enter the sand stockyard. Complaints regarding sand distribution can be reported via the toll-free number 0861-2943569.
First Piper 