KTR warns sand mafia

Hyderabad June 17: Mines and Geology Minister K T Rama Rao has been warned the officials of the Mines Department to keep a vigil on illegal sand dumps and initiate action against illegal sand mining.

Observing that some middlemen and touts were creating artificial scarcity of sand, the Minister warned that the government would initiate stern action against such people, especially in urban areas.

Criminal action will be launched against those dealing with sand mining without mining dealer license and seize the illegal sand dumps as well as vehicles illegally transporting sand.

Taking the serious view of reports over middlemen and touts minting money on illegal sand mining, the Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation (TSMDC) has decided to crack the whip against such anti-social elements.

In association with the law enforcement agencies, the TSMDC will file criminal cases and impose hefty fines against middlemen and touts.

Reviewing the availability of sand during the rainy season here on Friday, KTR said that "The demand for sand is expected to come down in the wake of the rainy season but the government would ensure supply of adequate sand for construction activities." Officials informed that there was the adequate stock of sand available in the State.