AMARAVATI, October 15 — The Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially notified the operational guidelines for the statewide 'Free Sand Policy 2026', eliminating state seigniorage cess across all river reaches, reservoirs, and desiltation points to revitalize the housing and construction sector.
Under the new regulatory framework: 1. Zero State Taxes: The state has completely scrapped the seigniorage charges, intermediate commercial margins, and administrative cess on sand mining. 2. Transparent Cost Structure: Consumers pay only certified operational extraction charges, mechanical loading costs, distance-based freight, and statutory statutory GST. 3. Local Exemption: Non-commercial extraction by local rural residents using bullock carts for personal dwelling construction and agricultural purposes remains 100% free of all charges. 4. Anti-Smuggling Controls: Mandatory digital waybills issued via the AP Mines & Geology portal, GPS tracking for all registered tipper fleets, and automated checkpost surveillance along interstate borders to prevent illegal diversions.
Administrative aspects of the AP Minor Mineral Concession Rules, the regulatory jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on riverbed mining, and Gram Panchayat mineral revenue rights form critical questions in APPSC Group-1 and Group-2 General Studies.