Sand allotment applications pile up in Tirupati

Tirupati: For the last few days, construction of more than 2,000 houses came to halt in Tirupati Rural mandal limits. After imposing ban on sand transport for some days, the State government issued orders authorising Tahsildars to give permission for transportation of sand from reaches after receiving applications from those who need sand for construction purpose.

On the directions of the State government, District Collector N Bharat Gupta had instructed Tahsildars to give permission for sand transport based on the prior request from individuals. All the Tahsildars except Tirupati Rural have been giving permission for transportation of sand. The main reason is Tirupati Rural Tahsildar transferred ten days ago and new Tahsildar took charge recently. In the absence of Tahsildar, revenue staff had collected the applications from the people and kept them pending.

A Prandham Reddy, who is constructing a house at Thummalagunta village in in Tirupati Rural mandal criticised the higher officials for not authorising some other official to give permission for transportation of sand till newly appointed Tahsildar gives nod.

Over the delay for not issuing permission for sand transport, revenue staff working in Tirupati Rural mandal office say that previous Tahsildar did not sign on applications as he was transferred.

Even after 10 days, applications are still pending, and construction of houses stopped midway. People are requesting Tirupati Sub Collector Dr Mahesh Kumar and District Collector Dr N Bharat Gupta to resolve the issue at the earliest.