Sand scarcity continues in AP, forces real estate sector into deep troubles

Amaravati: Even after one month of introducing sand policy in AP, the sand scarcity forcing the real estate sector into deep crisis. Government introduced the policy on September 5, exactly one month back. Still, government has been struggling to ensure proper supply of sand and give confidence among stakeholders in the market.

Initially, it opened more than 100 sand reaches and about 50 stockyards in the state. At present the website https://sand.ap.gov.in has been showing that there are 75 stockyards in the state. The sand purchasers have to apply for orders on the website only. State government has been maintaining this website for Sand Sale Management & Monitoring System (SSMMS).

The continuous floods in major rivers, apathetic attitude of concerned officials in opening mining in Patta lands are also some of the reasons attributed for this pathetic situation in the state, so far. At present, the floods in the rivers receded, but the authorities did not take proactive steps to provide sand to the public. It is worth to mention here that, the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy cautioned the officials in the recent review meeting also and directed them to provide sufficient sand in the market. In fact, the chief minister has been time and again warning the officials to take all necessary measures, whenever occasion comes.

Opposition parties including TDP, BJP, Jana Sena, CPI and others criticising that the illegal excavation and sales of sand became rampant across the state.

Artificial scarcity of sand gave an opportunity to the illegal excavation and sales of Sand, observed TDP MLC Dokka Manikya Varaprasad.

Vijayawada based realtor VV Narasaiah, who is also a member in the National Realestate Developers Council (Naredco) stated that the real estate sector in the state became most vulnerable after the new government formed by the YSRCP. He explained two main reasons for this, including lack of clarity on the development of the capital city at Amaravati and insufficient availability of sand. In addition to that, the state government's increase in the land registration values also another cause for setbacks in the real estate sector. He further informed that, the construction activities in the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) area came to a big halt. Majority of the realtors have been migrating to Telangana, particularly to Hyderabad, where they have been finding at least some assured market. Narasaiah further added that the real estate companies in the capital area have been only selling the already constructed apartments and developed ventures, but no one is daring to start a new work here.

He observed that, unless the state government would take appropriate action and give confidence on the market, this sector will face further trouble in the near future.