AP Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy instructed District Collectors and SPs to closely monitor and take all steps necessary to prevent Mafia involvement in sand mining. He directed Panchayati Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Chief Secretary LV Subramaniam and DGP Gowtham Sawant to give a free game to the officials without giving any scope for political interference. Jagan gave final orders that sand should be made available to the people at cheaper government rates as promised by his government. He ordered one Joint Collector level officer exclusively for ensuring smooth supply of sand at government rates in every district.
Interestingly, Jagan gave another 60 days time for the officials to plug loopholes and bring in transparency at all levels. CM’s sudden strong reaction came following increasing criticism from all sections against very high prices and shortage of sand. Jana Senani Pawan Kalyan and former minister Nara Lokesh have already launched a scathing attack on Jagan failure in sand supply and consequential crisis in the construction industry all over Andhra.
Usually, there would be no mafia without involvement of the ruling party leaders at some level. We have to wait and see how YCP leaders will react to Jagan crackdown on sand mafia.