‘Stay away from free sand supply’

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has made it clear that party leaders’ intervention in free sand will be dealt with seriously as such actions are damaging the government’s reputation.
During the Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat in Velagapudi, Amaravati, on Wednesday, Chandrababu stated that negligence in implementing the free sand policy will not be tolerated.
After addressing the Cabinet agenda, the Chief Minister discussed political issues specifically focusing on the challenges surrounding the free sand policy. He expressed concern over the complaints from the public about difficulties in getting sand, which has become costly despite the government’s policy to make it available for free.
The Chief Minister reminded the ministers that the free sand policy was introduced to ensure that sand is easily accessible to the common man and middle-class families, reducing the financial burden of house construction.
He emphasised that the policy’s primary goal is to serve the real beneficiaries — the common people — and that delays or inefficiencies will not be acceptable.
The CM issued a stern warning that any negligence in the execution of the free sand policy will result in serious consequences. He demanded visible improvements within the next 10 days and stressed that the availability of sand must be ensured State-wide, with all obstacles removed to facilitate smooth distribution.
The government recently approved a proposal to involve private agencies in managing sand reaches. This initiative, along with the existing free sand reaches, aims to streamline operations and ensure continuous monitoring of sand supply. Officials assured the Chief Minister that handing over management to private agencies will enhance oversight and improve the availability of sand at stock points.
The CM ordered continuous surveillance and monitoring to guarantee the proper implementation of the policy and ensure that the benefits reach those in need.