Enhancing Sand Supply: Andhra Pradesh's Plan to Utilise Patta Lands

In response to the growing sand shortage in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has unveiled a strategic initiative allowing sand excavation from patta lands. This measure aims to significantly enhance the availability of sand, a crucial resource for construction and infrastructure development across the state, especially as demand continues to escalate.

The urgency behind this decision became evident during a recent review meeting led by Mukesh Kumar Meena, the Principal Secretary of Mines and Geology, along with District Collectors. The meeting focused on the current state of sand supply, highlighting the necessity for immediate actions to address the rising demand for this vital resource. Various reports have indicated that many regions in the state are experiencing sand shortages, prompting the government to take decisive and timely measures.

Operationalization of Sand Reaches

To ensure a consistent supply of sand, the Andhra Pradesh government has outlined a plan to operationalize approximately 108 reaches, which will collectively have a capacity of 70 lakh metric tons (MT). These reaches are scheduled to be made available for manual sand mining methods starting from October 15, 2024. The operationalization of these reaches is expected to significantly bolster the sand supply across all districts, catering to the construction activities and related sectors that depend heavily on this resource.

The government’s plan includes a comprehensive approach to meet the demand for sand through the establishment of stockyards, de-siltation points, and designated reaches for sand mining. This strategy is designed to alleviate the shortages experienced in many areas, ensuring that construction projects can proceed without delays due to lack of materials.

Challenges with Environmental Clearances

Despite the promising plans, the government has faced significant challenges related to environmental clearances. In February 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revoked several environmental clearances, mandating public hearings for semi-mechanized mining operations. This ruling resulted in considerable delays, as the previous government did not conduct any public hearings for approximately 18 months. Consequently, this lack of action led to a scarcity of sand during the crucial monsoon season, which is typically a high-demand period for construction.

Recognizing the impact of these challenges, the current government, which took office in June 2024, has resumed public hearings and successfully obtained the necessary clearances to facilitate sand mining operations. Since taking power, the government has conducted 18 public hearings and is actively processing an additional 32 hearings to expedite the operationalization of more sand reaches. This proactive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to overcoming the obstacles previously faced and ensuring a steady supply of sand to meet the state's demands.

The Free Sand Policy

In a bid to make sand more accessible and affordable, the government implemented a free sand policy on July 8, 2024. This policy aims to comply with environmental regulations while providing sand at reasonable prices to end-users. The responsibility for sand operations has shifted from private entities to District Level Sand Committees (DLSCs), which are chaired by district collectors. This shift is intended to streamline processes and enhance transparency in sand mining operations, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and responsibly.

Since the implementation of the free sand policy, however, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of operational stockyards. The count dropped from 86 in July to just 14 in October, primarily due to the non-operation of sand reaches in riverbeds until the conclusion of the monsoon season. The government has taken this approach to protect the environment, adhering to established restrictions during this critical period.

De-siltation Initiatives

To further bolster the sand supply, the Andhra Pradesh government has activated around 20 de-siltation points under the Water Resources Department. These points have a combined capacity of 58 lakh MT and have been operational since August 15, 2024. The necessary clearances have been secured to ensure that these initiatives can effectively supplement the sand supply, thereby providing additional resources for construction activities.

De-siltation is particularly crucial as it not only helps in increasing the availability of sand but also plays a significant role in maintaining the health of river systems. By removing excess sediment and debris from riverbeds, the government can enhance water flow and improve the overall ecology of these waterways, thereby contributing to the state's environmental sustainability goals.

Way Forward

The Andhra Pradesh government's proactive approach to enhancing sand availability through the excavation of patta lands, the operationalization of sand reaches, and de-siltation initiatives underscores its commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the construction industry. As these initiatives take shape, stakeholders in the construction sector are optimistic that the measures will lead to a more reliable sand supply, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of infrastructure in the state. The collaborative efforts of various departments and district-level committees will be crucial in overcoming challenges in the sand supply chain and ensuring that the needs of the populace are met efficiently.