CPCB team to NGT: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana mining in name of de-silting

Hyderabad: A team of scientists of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that has inspected various areas in AP and Telangana, where de-silting of sand is ongoing, has concluded that it may not be possible to carry out such activity manually. It should be done with machines, and done in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The National Green Tribunal that has stayed the use of heavy machinery for de-silting had directed the CPCB to inspect both states and submit a report. The tribunal asked it to explain whether the activity cited by the Telangana and AP states was mining or de-silting; and if it was de-silting, whether such activity should be done with machines. A two-member team of the CPBC scientists visited various reservoirs in Telangana from April 22 to 24; and in Prakasam barrage in AP on April 25.

The team in its report to the NGT stated that the nature of activities carried out in the name of de-silting and dredging in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh fell into the category of mining. On a statement made by the Union mining ministry in Parliament, the CPCB team stated that the ministry has made it clear that dredging activities are undertaken for the purpose of extracting minerals and selling it commercially; and hence it’s mining.

The CPCB team informed the NGT that sand excavated during de-silting meant selling it to the required parties through online portal after using the sand for the construction activity taken up by the government in Telangana.

The team also informed the NGT that the AP government has been utilising the sand excavated from the Prakasam barrage for the construction of its new capital and also for the widening of four-lane roads to Amaravati. The remaining sand is stored at various places in Krishna and Guntur districts for supply of sand to required parties free of cost.