State govt approves Rs 286 crore for Prakasam Barrage desilting by CRDA
2
3
Vijayawada: The state government has given the green signal to the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) to take up desilting operations at Prakasam Barrage to excavate sand.
The water resources department was advised to hand over the entire stretch on the foreshore of Prakasam Barrage to the CRDA for desilting operations. Curiously, the State government has also granted Rs 286 crore to the CRDA to carry out the desilting work.
In fact, the CRDA should make money from desilted sand as it would be selling the stock to major construction companies. The CRDA could even pocket additional revenue by allowing private players to excavate sand and collect royalty and user charges.
However, the state government granted a massive Rs 286 crore for the desilting operations. The government has not yet finalised the modalities for the sale of sand excavated from the Prakasam Barrage, which is crucial for recovering the money spent on digging operations.
The Guntur district-level sand committee (DLSC) has permitted a private firm to sell sand at Rs 215 per tonne against Rs 66 per tonne, the price quoted by the firm while filing tenders.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Bring home all new SP125 & get an instant cashback up to ₹4000#
Honda
Learn More
Undo
Speculation is rife that local legislators were behind the DLSC's decision to permit the private player to sell at such a high price. The firm was originally contracted to undertake dredging operations in the Krishna River from Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district to Vaikuntapuram in Guntur district to facilitate the movement of punts.
Punt operations are allowed to ferry people and goods vehicles through waterways between NTR and Guntur districts.
The private firm that secured the bid was initially allowed to sell sand at Rs 66 per tonne after completing the dredging operations. Surprisingly, the DLSC revised the price to Rs 215 per tonne following pressure from ruling party leaders. Sources said the firm has been allowed to remove about 8 lakh metric tonnes of sand until next January. At Rs 66 per tonne, the firm would have earned around Rs 5 crore from the sale of 8 lakh metric tonnes of sand.
With the DLSC granting permission to sell the stock at Rs 215 per tonne, the firm is likely to make around Rs 17 crore—almost 350 percent more than the initial quotation.
In fact, the private firm is unlikely to sell the stock even at Rs. 215 per tonne due to huge demand for sand in and around the capital city following the increase in construction activity. Although it is mandatory to issue a waybill for each trip, the firm is reportedly transporting stock almost 24x7 in a massive number of vehicles.
Sources said construction companies have been unable to question the high price.
-
GFX
Sand Utilization
- CRDA has been authorized to take up desilting work in the foreshore of Prakasam Barrage
- Sand excavated from the barrage will be utilized for the capital city construction needs
- CRDA has been asked to strictly comply with Supreme Court guidelines in desilting operations
- CRDA should secure all requisite clearances from APPCB
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, July 31, 2025: Your quiet strength builds your future
The day brings a test of inner strength, but you are more prepared than you think. Life has taught you how to stay strong through emotions and uncertainty. Now is not the time to doubt your worth. Use your resilience to handle what comes today. Even if things feel heavy, trust that this weight will make you wiser. You are being shaped into someone more powerful and peaceful. Let your actions be steady and your heart grounded in your own truth. Cancer Love Horoscope Today In love, the connection will deepen when both hearts feel safe. If you are with someone, share your worries and let them support you. Vulnerability is not weakness. It allows real closeness. If you are single, this is not the time to hide your sensitivity. Your kind and caring nature is your strength. Someone may notice your calm energy and feel drawn to you. Love that respects your emotions will last. Cancer Career Horoscope Today In your career, you may feel pressure, but remember how much you have already handled. Today may require patience and maturity. Someone may depend on you, or you may have to take responsibility quietly. Do not look for fast appreciation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adam Lambert, 43, Takes off His Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words. The Noodle Box Undo Let your actions speak with consistency. If you are facing delays, take this time to organize and prepare. Your work today may not show immediate reward, but it is planting seeds for something bigger. Stay calm and loyal to your path. Cancer Money Horoscope Today Money matters today require wisdom, not speed. Do not let fear push you into wrong choices. If an expense comes up suddenly, handle it with a clear head. This is a time to stay strong in your financial plan and not follow others blindly. You may feel the urge to help someone, but make sure your needs are also met. Saving a small amount today can bring great peace later. Let your financial decisions come from strength, not stress. Cancer Health Horoscope Today Your health may be influenced by emotional pressure today. Aches, tightness in the chest, or tiredness could be signs of internal tension. Take time to be with yourself. Light a diya, sit in silence, or chant something peaceful. Emotional healing will bring physical relief. Eat food that is warm and cooked fresh. Avoid cold or heavy meals. Your body needs comfort, not just nutrition. Listen to what your heart is saying through your body. You are healing with every breath you take. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
State changes tack, seeks revised proposal for Goa-Tamnar power line
Bengaluru: Karnataka appears to be reconsidering its stand on permitting a transmission line passing through the ecologically sensitive forests of Western Ghats to supply power to southern Goa, as it awaits the neighbouring state's approval for the ambitious Kalasa-Banduri project. Under increasing pressure, the state govt has asked New Delhi-based Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project Ltd to resubmit its proposal with an alternative alignment aimed at minimising tree felling. The firm had submitted a proposal seeking diversion of 174.6 hectares of forest land in Dharwad, Haliyal, and Dandeli for a 400Kv quad transmission line. But in March last year, forest minister Eshwar Khandre rejected the proposal, while directing the additional chief secretary (forests) to issue notices to all forest officials who recommended the project. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Now, in a U-turn, the ACS (forests), on instructions from Khandre, has directed principal chief conservator of forests (head of the forest force) to ask the firm to submit a revised proposal incorporating an alternative alignment and the latest technology to minimise tree felling. Subsequently, PCCF (forest conservation) wrote to chief conservators of forests (CCFs) of Belagavi, Dharwad, and Kanara circles on the issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Recently, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar had also personally met Bhupendra Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, and demanded speedy approval for the Kalasa-Banduri project along with several other projects awaiting forest clearance. This sudden change in stand has caught conservationists by surprise especially since CM Siddaramaiah wrote to Prime Minister Modi in Sept 2024, refusing permission for the Goa-Tamnar project until Goa lifts its objections to the Kalasa-Banduri project. "Be it the railway proposal or power transmission line, the govt should not yield to pressure from anyone," said a conservation activist from Dandeli. "Given the area's susceptibility to landslides and climate change, the state must not allow diversion of such huge tract of forest land in an ecologically sensitive region like Western Ghats. The govt must not soften its stand." However, Khandre insisted that there is no change in his govt's stand. "We have only directed the user agency to submit a fresh proposal with an alternative alignment so that not many trees are felled," he said. "If Goa gives its nod for Kalasa-Banduri project, we may be forced to approve the transmission project. In anticipation of such a scenario, we want to ensure that our flora and fauna is not burdened."
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Puri international airport project has received key approvals, making progress: Min
Bhubaneswar: The ambitious Shree Jagannath International Airport project in Puri is making significant progress with several crucial approvals now in place, Union civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday. While the ministry gave 'in-principle' approval to the project on May 6, the expert appraisal committee (EAC) recommended environmental clearance on June 5, with Phase-1 of the airport to have an estimated passenger handling capacity of 4.6 million per annum, the minister's reply revealed. Responding to a question from Rajya Sabha member Subhasish Khuntia, who wanted to know the current status of the proposed airport and other related issues, the minister said. "The phase-1 of the greenfield airport project is designed to handle 4.6 million passengers annually, positioning it as a major aviation hub in eastern India. The development follows the two-stage approval process outlined in the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, which includes site clearance and 'in-principle' approval. " State govt, as the project proponent, is responsible for crucial aspects including land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement, funding and securing mandatory environmental clearances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The ministry of defence has already given its no-objection for the project. "The completion timeline depends on various factors such as land acquisition, mandatory clearances and financial closure," Naidu said. He emphasised the project's potential economic impact, citing an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) study that shows air connectivity has an economic multiplier effect of 3.25 and an employment multiplier of 6.1. The airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional development, boosting tourism, generating employment, and enhancing land values in the surrounding areas. It is anticipated to lead to increased tax revenues and stamp duty collections for the state govt. The project's strategic location in Puri, a major pilgrimage centre, is expected to significantly boost religious tourism and facilitate easier access for international visitors to Jagannath Temple.
