Sand gets 'hot'! Chandrababu Naidu Stages fast over Andhra's new sand policy

Vijayawada, November 14: New cabinet decision of Andhra government to tighten the rules on sand pricing has heated the atmosphere in the state. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu today staged a 12-hour-long ‘Sand Deeksha’ fast over sand crisis and urged the Andhra government to bring back the free sand policy in the state.

 

"We demand to provide free sand. Seize borders to stop smuggling of sand. Control your sand mafia. You are even weakening the police. They are not ignorant, they are deliberately encouraging sand mafia. Bring free sand policy immediately. This is test for your sincerity," said Naidu.

Naidu alleged that the YSR Congress Party leaders have ‘artificially’ created sand shortage.

Naidu further added that sand is nature's gift. Everybody has the right to use sand. The government made it a trouble by creating sand scarcity. Nobody wants to commit suicide. The government compelled so many workers to commit suicide. 35 lakh families of construction workers are suffering. They could not even celebrate Dussehra and Diwali.

 

"Sale of steel, iron, cement came down. This problem led to severe crisis. People are waiting for sand for the past six months. During our regime we gave sand freely. As of now 45-50 persons committed suicide. Andhra Pradesh sand is not available in the state, but is being sold in cities outside the state, like Bengaluru. After six months, they brought sand policy, which is not good," Naidu added.

Tightening the noose around those resorting to illegal stocking and sale of sand at higher prices, Andhra Pradesh Council of Ministers, which met on Wednesday, resolved to impose Rs 2 lakh fine and hand out two years jail term to those selling sand above the price fixed by the Government.