Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Collector’s Orders Flouted as Sand Mining Threatens Tungabhadra Water Security
People say sand is still being taken from the Tungabhadra riverbed even after the district Collector reportedly ordered officials to act.
Tractors were allegedly seen entering the riverbed soon afterward.
Villagers believe the sand helps hold and recharge underground water.
They worry that removing too much sand could reduce water in nearby borewells.
This could affect drinking water for several villages.
Kurnool is already experiencing water stress, with no rainfall recorded during the cited 24-hour period and temperatures reaching 38.3°C.
Residents also fear that water shortages could continue through the dry months and until the next dependable rainy season in 2027.
They have made allegations about political connections, but these have not been independently verified.
They want officials to inspect the area, stop unauthorised mining and seize vehicles involved.
Alleged illegal sand excavation continued in the Tungabhadra riverbed at Panchalingala after Collector Dr A Siri reportedly ordered stringent action.
Dozens of tractors were allegedly seen entering the riverbed barely a day after the reported directions.
Villagers fear excessive sand removal could weaken groundwater recharge and threaten drinking-water supplies in nearby communities.
Residents allege political connections involving MP Bastipati Nagaraju and MLA Boggula Dastagiri, but the claims lack independent or official confirmation.
Villagers are demanding joint inspections, vehicle seizures and action by mining, revenue and police authorities.
- Who
- Kurnool district authorities, including Collector Dr A Siri, along with villagers, mining officials, revenue officials and police.
- What
- Alleged illegal sand excavation is continuing in the Tungabhadra riverbed despite reported directions for stringent action.
- When
- The alleged activity continued barely a day after the Collector’s reported directions; the India Meteorological Department recorded no rainfall in the 24 hours ending September 16.
- Where
- Panchalingala in Kurnool district, along the Tungabhadra riverbed.
- Why
- Residents fear sand removal could damage groundwater recharge, reduce borewell supplies and threaten drinking-water security during a prolonged dry spell.
- Location
- Panchalingala, Kurnool district, along the Tungabhadra riverbed
- Reported order
- Collector Dr A Siri reportedly directed officials to initiate stringent action
- Alleged activity
- Dozens of tractors were allegedly seen entering the riverbed after the reported directions
- Rainfall
- No rainfall was recorded in Kurnool in the 24 hours ending September 16
- Maximum temperature
- 38.3°C
- Residents’ concern
- Sand removal could weaken groundwater retention and recharge, affecting borewells and drinking-water supplies
- Requested action
- Joint inspections, an end to unauthorised excavation, vehicle seizures and identification of alleged operators
