The non-availability of sand for the last six months has had a serious impact on the construction industry and its 13 allied trades. Due to lack of works, the construction workers and those working in brick, iron and other works have lost their means of livelihoods. Trade sources say that nearly 95 per cent of sales have come down in all these fields in the twin Capital city districts of Guntur and Krishna.

Like never before, the troubles of construction industry started since the day election code came into effect. There is a big political angle to this issue. For all practical purposes, the YCP took control of the state since the day of election code. It made serious allegations against alleged TDP leaders’ corruption in sand mining. The Sakshi media made huge fuss over this. Jana Senani and Left parties made similar statements at that time. After coming to power, CM Jaganmohan Reddy has begun to have a total government control over sand mining.

Even now, the YCP government is struggling to have its clear policy to immediately make sand available. This has given a big blow to the allied industries like bricks, electrical goods, hardware, marble, tiles, wood, plumbing and so on. Having lost their livelihoods, the workers are migrating to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and other cities.