PNS|Vijayawada
Minister of Energy, Forest, Environment, Science and Technology, Mines and Geology Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy on Thursday alleged that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) looted sand revenue in the name of free sand policy during its five-year rule.
Addressing the media at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Peddireddy said that the TDP government issued 19 government orders (GOs) on sand policy during its tenure, changing them from time to time for their convenience. He asked what was the revenue generated on sand during the TDP’s five-year rule.
The Minister alleged that a huge sand mafia was operating adjacent to the residence of former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on the Karakatta in the Krishna river bed during 2014-19. He said that the TDP initially said that sand would be sold through Dwarka women and then started a sand black market.
Peddireddy recalled that in West Godavari district, Tahsildar Vanajakshi was attacked by TDP MLA Chinthamaneni Prabhakar for objecting to illegal sand mining. He said that the settlement was done by Chandrababu himself.
The minister said that TDP MLAs and ministers with their followers were involved in sand excavation in Krishna, Penna, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, and Godavari rivers at will. He said that everything was done under the directions of Nara Lokesh, the TDP general secretary.
Peddireddy said that a fine of around Rs 100 crore was imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) considering the evidence related to the sand mining that took place next to Chandrababu’s house. He demanded that Chandrababu answer for the Rs 100 crore fine.
The minister said that after the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government came to power, a better transparent sand policy was introduced for booking and buying sand online and offline. He said that tenders were invited for sand mining and the contract was awarded to Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited Company, which quoted the highest bid.
Peddireddy said that the government was taking stern action against those who were involved in illegal sand mining. He said that a toll-free number 14500 was made available to complain about illegal mining.
The minister said that the government had extended the contract period of the JP Power Ventures Company by one more year. He said that the government had nothing to do with subcontracting agreements.
