The West Godavari district is facing severe scarcity of sand due to halting of collection activity at four open reaches and stopping of operation by eight boatmen associations in the wake of recent Godavari floods.
Due to this, the works relating to various government projects, including construction of 1,200 additional classrooms under Nadu-Nedu, houses under Jagananna colonies and Urban Primary Health Centres, would be hit.
The State government has recently set a target to speed up the construction activity under various programmes.
Review meet
In a review meeting held here with the officials of Mines and Geology, Education, Panchayat Raj and Public Health departments, District Collector P. Prasanthi has directed them to prepare a plan to procure the sand required for the construction activities.
Of 11 boatmen societies, that are permitted to collect the sand from the Godavari river, barely three are functioning. After the Godavari floods, four open sand reaches have been closed and only three are functioning.
The Collector has directed the Jaypee group authorities to set up the new sand stock points at Bhimavaram and Narsapuram. The Mines and Geology authorities have been directed to prepare an action plan to ensure supply of required sand for the government projects.
