Take stern action against illegal sand miners:N Chinnarajappa

Rajahmundry (AP), Mar 18: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinnarajappa has directed district officials to register cases under Prevention of Detention Act against those who are involved in illegal sand mining.

Chinnarajappa, who also holds Home portfolio, held a meeting via video conference facility with collectors of 13 districts and senior police officials yesterday, and directed officials to take stringent action against illegal sand miners and owners of vehicles that are engaged in such activities.

"The government has an intention to supply sand to public at free of cost in the state. But some people are allegedly involving in activities like illegally transporting sand.To curb this, district administration should initiate stringent action under PD Act," he said.

If needed, he said, a district committee should be appointed to oversee it and if the administration takes all these initiatives, there will be no place for illegal transporting and any irregularities in sand mining, he said.

Today, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will hold a meeting to discuss measures needed to be taken to strengthen 'sand policy' and arrest activities of illegal sand mining, the minister said.

State minister for Mines P Sujatha and municipal administration minister P Narayana were also present during the meeting.

PTI