Hyderabad | Dec 21, 2016:

Mining Minister KT Rama Rao today informed the Legislature Council that the State government got three-fold revenue through slapping of penalties in sand mining and by taking stringent measures against the officials for irregularities.

During question hour in the Council here on Wednesday, KTR said the new mining policy will be unveiled soon. The new policy is taking final stape and will be put before the Cabinet for approval, he said. The Mining wing received Rs 11.8 crore through penalties, he said, adding that Rs 8-crore income did not cross during 2007-12. As many as 1,500 cases were filed after seizing 61,000 cubic meter of sand.

The minister said CC cameras were set up at sand reaches and introduced GPS in January to check illegal mining activity. He also said severe action has been taken against erring officials in this regard. KTR said it was decided to set up two dry ports — one each in East and West side of Hyderabad and works will begin in 2018. The dry ports need Rs 3,600 crore and the Centre is to give finances and technical support. Proposals have come to set up dry ports at Bhongir, Chityala, Krishnapatnam, Jadcherla, Zaheerabad and Miryalaguda and the State government will take a final call on finding suitable places for better connectivity.

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