Andhra Pradesh government introduces online booking system for sand purchase

HYDERABAD: Consumers in Andhra Pradesh can now get sand at their doorsteps with the state government introducing an online booking system for it.

As per the new system, consumers could either go to the nearest 'Meeseva' citizen services centre or order sand online through 'www.sandbyshg.ap.gov.in' website, an official statement issued today said.

An SMS would be sent to the consumers about delivery of sand and a receipt would also be issued to them. Consumers would be able to find out the status of sand delivery online by using a transaction ID, it said.

The doorstep delivery system is a major positive change after the AP government handed over sale of sand to women-run self-help groups in villages, the release said, adding that gone are those days when the "sand mafia" called the shots in the sale of sand.

Sand sales to the tune of 1.55 lakh cubic metres have taken place after the state government entrusted the system to these self-help groups, it said.

Another 3.27 lakh cubic metres of sand is ready for sale and consumers could register complaints, if any, to a toll-free number mentioned in the release as '20201211800'.