TDP will introduce a new sand policy: Lokesh
The Capital News
Vijayawada: April 2 The sand policy implemented by the YSRCP government has been accused of causing the downfall of the construction sector in Andhra Pradesh and adversely affecting the livelihoods of workers and the TDP government would introduce new sand policy after coming to power, said TDP national secretary Nara Lokesh.
During his election campaign in the Mangalagiri constituency on Tuesday, Lokesh interacted with workers from the construction sector to understand their grievances. He said that
He pointed out that the state’s sand policy has emerged as a significant hindrance to the development of the construction industry. Over the past five years, the prices of sand have skyrocketed, rising from Rs 1500 per truck during the TDP regime to an exorbitant Rs 7000 under the current administration. This drastic increase has severely impacted construction activities, leading to a halt in projects as builders struggled to cope with the rising costs.
The repercussions of this policy were dire, as around 30 lakh construction workers lost their employment, and ancillary businesses dealing with iron, steel, and cement were also adversely affected. Lokesh emphasized that had the construction of Amaravathi, the capital city, continued uninterrupted, it could have provided employment opportunities for approximately 5 lakh people, a prospect thwarted by the policies of the YSRCP government.
Moreover, Lokesh criticized the YSRCP for diverting funds amounting to Rs 2500 crore from the construction labor welfare board and discontinuing the Chandranna insurance scheme designed specifically for the welfare of construction sector workers in Andhra Pradesh.
Workers from the construction sector, in their discussions with Lokesh, revealed that they were only able to secure work for three days a week due to the downturn in the construction sector. They also appealed for assistance in acquiring house sites and facilitating house construction for construction workers.