18 hrs ago
Godavari Sand Mining Faces Reports of Widespread Anomalies
East Godavari is an important source of sand for construction.
Reports say some sand is being taken from the Godavari River using boats with machinery, even though the rules call for manual mining.
Some trucks are also said to be overloaded or to carry sand without covers.
Sand can spill onto roads and create dust that bothers people and road users.
A former MP has asked a tribunal to look into alleged rule-breaking.
A district official says cameras are being tested at one sand point to check trucks and their loads.
The project may be expanded if it works well.
Sand is currently reported to cost Rs.
7,500 for a 20-tonne load.
East Godavari produces about 15,000 metric tonnes of sand daily at nearly 40 sand points.
Reported violations include mechanised sand-sucking boats, overloaded trucks, uncovered loads and unauthorised transport.
Sand dust and spilled loads are said to affect commuters, shops and roads along transport routes.
Former YSRC MP Margani Bharat asked the National Green Tribunal to intervene over alleged mining violations.
Officials are piloting AI-integrated number-plate cameras at Gayatri sand point to monitor vehicles and loads.
- Who
- Sand miners and transporters in East Godavari; monitoring responsibilities include several government departments.
- What
- Reported irregularities in sand mining and transport include mechanised extraction, overloaded trucks and uncovered or unauthorised loads.
- Where
- Godavari riverbed sand points in East Godavari district, including Gayatri sand point at Dowleswaram.
- When
- The report describes current conditions and says the camera pilot is being undertaken; the date is not specified.
- Why
- Riverbed desiltation is intended to help store three tmc-ft of water and provide sand for construction; reported monitoring gaps may allow violations.
Key facts
- Daily production in East Godavari
- About 15,000 metric tonnes from nearly 40 sand points
- Statewide daily production
- About 30,000 metric tonnes
- East Godavari share of state demand
- Nearly 50 per cent
- Current reported price
- Rs. 7,500 for a 20-tonne load
- Highest price cited
- Rs. 27,000 in 2024
- Water storage target
- Three tmc-ft
- Monitoring pilot
- AI-integrated Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at Gayatri sand point, Dowleswaram
Quotes
Medical shop owner
A shopkeeper describing the effects of sand dust on the premises.
“We have taken up a pilot project to fix AI integrated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras at Gayatri sand point at Dowleswaram which will help to monitor mainly overloading of vehicles, their registration numbers, covering with green mat and e-bills so that some violations will be curbed and we will extend to all other sand points based on feasibility.”
deccanchronicle.com
“My shop gets filled with sand dust despite being covered with glass doors and I have to frequently dust the racks filled up with medicines before selling them.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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