Sifting of sand no help to bulk users

Visakhapatnam: Sand woes of the bulk users are far from over though the state government claims to have streamlined the quarrying. The sand suppliers to the bulk users like apartments and other large buildings are forced to go some 126 km far from Vizag to Srikakulam to source the sand.

Though the builders were elated, that the state government had announced that the sand will be available free of cost, only one such sand ramp has been given permission for bulk users.

There is also no regulation at the sand ramp due to the absence of the government personnel, which is leading to a mad rush and chaos at the lone sand reach at Dusi in Srikakulam, which is delaying the sand transportation. The sand transporters are finding it difficult to load since no machines are allowed. Delay in getting a load of sand is also delaying the projects.

“We can transport at least two loads of sand if the mining is streamlined and an additional ramp is allocated for bulk users. As of now we are only able to transport one load in two days. And there is utter chaos at the ramp. There is no discipline at all as hundreds of trucks wait for their turn.

Since no machines are allowed, loading is done manually by some labourers who are also delaying the entire process. We are also forced to spend a few thousands of rupees as loading charges for each load. It has become very difficult for us,” said a sand transport contractor, G. Suresh of MVP Colony, who has been in this business since more than 10 years.

He added that they are not able to supply sand in time due all these hitches.
Mr Suresh said, at least, two more sand ramps should be opened to streamline the situation. Moreover, loading is banned during the night. Earlier, loading was done round-the-clock.