What this scheme offers
Under Andhra Pradesh's free sand policy, in force again from 8 July 2024, the sand itself costs nothing — buyers pay only the operational charges: loading, transport and the seigniorage fee collected at the stockyard. Those charges are fixed district by district by a committee headed by the Collector, so they vary with the distance from the sand reach to the depot. Sand is booked on the AP Sand portal run by the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation, or at village and ward secretariats, which help people who cannot book online. A general booking covers construction of up to 2,000 sq ft, with a separate bulk category for larger works. People with their own transport can collect from stock points, which open from about 6 am to 6 pm, and rural households may use their own bullock carts. Stockpiling is not allowed, and enforcement teams check illegal mining.
Who is eligible
- Any resident of Andhra Pradesh who needs sand for a house or other construction.
- General bookings are for buildings of up to 2,000 sq ft; larger works use the bulk-booking category.
- Buyers pay the district-fixed loading, transport and seigniorage charges.
- Sand cannot be stockpiled for resale.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card or other photo ID for registration on the portal
- Mobile number for the OTP
- Construction details — location and the approximate area to be built
- Payment of the online charges
How to apply
- Register on the AP Sand portal (sand.ap.gov.in) or the mobile app — or ask your village or ward secretariat to book for you.
- Choose general or bulk booking, enter the construction details and select a stockyard or sand reach.
- Pay the loading and seigniorage charges online; the portal shows the charge for your chosen depot.
- Collect the sand at the stock point, or have it delivered by a transporter at the fixed transport rate.
- Report problems on the toll-free number given on the portal.