Minister T Harish Rao today directed the officials concerned to check the illegal sand mining and transportation across the state borders. At a meeting with officials of revenue, mining, commercial taxes, forest, survey of India and marketing departments, he asked them to take steps to resolve cases of Barytis lease in Khammam, prepare an action plan to control sand from other states, set up integrated check posts, and identify mining zones.
The minister directed the officials to send proposals of Rs 50 crore to the Government for Gandipet restoration under Mission Kakatiya program. He said that tenders should be called for the restoration, begin first phase works by allotting Rs 12.5 crore and take up a movement to save Gandipet lake in Hyderabad.
‘We need to strengthen the check posts with tough measures and stop illegal mining and encourage the use of stone sand in place of river sand’. Harish stressed the need to stop illegal mining as a result of which Government is incurring loss. He wanted the officials to prevent illegal sand mining in 14 mandals of Ranga Reddy district. Harish Rao asked the officials to see that mining should be done by those who are allotted them. To develop Gandipet we need to attract donors, conduct benefit shows, star cricket, a run, he said.(NSS)