Tighter Checks Make Illegal Sand Traders Shift Routes, Tactics
Intensified checks have pushed illegal sand traders in Tirupati and Chittoor to adopt new routes and use pilot vehicles to evade enforcement.
Illegal sand transporters in Tirupati and Chittoor districts are adopting new routes and tactics to evade intensified enforcement, with pilot vehicles being used to monitor police movement and guide sand-laden tippers towards Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Sources in the Revenue, Mines, and Police departments said illegal sand traders had earlier concealed sand loads by placing cement bags, gravel, and other material over them to mislead checking teams. These methods have become less common after officials have stepped up checks and seizures of vehicles transporting sand.
According to sources, operators are now sending cars ahead of sand-laden tippers to monitor the route. This tactic is similar to that used by red sanders’ smugglers to evade enforcement checks.
A revenue official said on condition of anonymity, "The pilot vehicle alerts drivers about checks and other enforcement activity. If a check is reported ahead, the tipper is asked to stop until the route is clear. This has made it difficult for field teams to track sand tippers, particularly at night."
Sand transported towards Chennai is sourced mainly from the Swarnamukhi River belts around Srikalahasti and Naidupeta. Areas around Tiruchanoor and Chandragiri are major sources for consignments headed towards Bengaluru.
A tipper load reportedly fetches around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.2 lakh in Chennai and ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.4 lakh in Bengaluru. Excavation and transportation costs range between ₹45,000 and ₹60,000 per load.
Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway has provided another route for transporting sand towards Bengaluru. As the road connects Baireddipalle in Chittoor district to the outskirts of Bengaluru, vehicles can reach Karnataka with fewer police checks. Sand is reportedly being moved through this corridor from Chandragiri, Puthalapattu, G.D. Nellore, and Chittoor. Sources said around 15–20 vehicles from each constituency could be using the route daily.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had recently directed officials to prevent illegal sand mining and transportation, and take strict action against smugglers. Following the directions, officials of Revenue, Mines, and Police departments have been conducting checks, seizing vehicles, and imposing fines.
Officials are identifying routes and strengthening coordination between the three departments to prevent the interstate transportation of sand.