HYDERABAD | Nov 13, 2015: Concerned over the hold of mafia on sand mining despite involvement of women self help groups to ensure transparency and check middle men, Andhra Pradesh government has decided to review the policy.

“The existing policy will be reviewed with two objectives of arresting the ever increasing sand price and plug pilferage of revenue to the government. The State Cabinet to meet on November 16 will constitute a committee of officials to look into the loopholes in the system and come up with solutions,” sources said.

Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, it is understood, has directed the department officials in the meantime to identify the lapses and come out why violations were taking place and what more could be done.

He is believed to have advised them to examine the sand mining policy followed in other States including Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra to tackle the menace of illegal sand mining and streamline the sale to customers.

Sources said installation of CCTVs at the sand reaches to ensure transparency and prevent over exploitation did not give expected results as these gadgets were allegedly being tampered with the connivance of local mafia.

AP government as part of a unique initiative involved women SHGs in sand mining and for routing the sale of sand through them to customers for a nominal commission. Government expected that the supervision of SHGs would curb the involvement of middlemen and ensure sale of sand directly to customers at reasonable price.

(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)