Stringent action against illegal mining of sand from Tungabhadra River

Kurnool: Stringent steps are initiated to curb the illegal mining of sand from Tungabhadra River. Heavy penalty would be imposed on the owner of the vehicle along with a police case, Kurnool district collector Ch. Vijay Mohan warned.

Addressing a press conference held in connection with the illegal transportation of sand on Saturday at the collector's conference hall, he said a new sand mining policy was introduced, cutting down the previous rates. Around 13 sand reaches were identified and a total of 11 were identified. Seven sand reaches are in force while four sand reaches (Nidzur, G. Singavaram, Panchalingala and Mantralayam) are closed.

He also said CC cameras were installed in 13 locations for identifying the illegal mining. So far 291 vehicles are collaborated with GPS system and a mobile weigh bridge would be set up at Joharapuram.

For curtailing the duplicate way bills e-way bill system would be taken up at 6 sand reaches (Nidzur, G. Singavaram, Rampuram, Muddatamagi, Puddur and Padidempadu). 415 vehicles are penalised by the poli-ce/revenue and an amount of '66.22 lakh were collected as fine. From all sources, a sum of '2.02 crore was collected from the seized 40,237 cubic meters sand, Mr Vijay Mohan added. DRDA project director Rama Krishna and deputy director, information and public relations office, Ms. Vijayalakshmi, were also present at the conference.