Illegal sand mining is a major issue in Pebbair mandal of Wanaparthy district. This activity is causing environmental harm and loss of revenue for the government. Despite orders to stop, the illegal mining continues with the help of locals and officials who ignore the problem.
Villages like Ramapuram and Shagapuram are hotspots for illegal sand mining. Perpetrators use heavy machinery like JCBs to extract sand from areas like Rampuram, Shagapuram, Krishna river, and Pari catchment. They then transport the sand using tractors to avoid detection.
Sand dunes along the Krishna river basin in Pebberu mandal are being exploited extensively. Tractors carrying illegally mined sand can fetch high prices, with trips to Jogulamba Gadwal district earning between Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000. Despite rules limiting the number of sand-laden vehicles per day, hundreds of tractors are still being used for transportation.
The collaboration of police, revenue, and mining officials worsens the situation as they ignore the illegal activities. Even after a recent seizure of sand ordered by the district collector, the perpetrators found ways to continue mining by getting fake permissions.
Local residents are urging higher authorities to take strong action to stop illegal sand mining in the area.
