Sand mining irregularities alleged in Godavari belt

Metro India News | BHADRADRI KOTHAGUDEM : Allegations of illegal sand mining and exploitation of cooperative society members have emerged from the Godavari river belt in Pinapaka, with local residents accusing contractors of violating mining norms while earning huge profits at the cost of natural resources and local livelihoods. The State government permits tribal and fishermen cooperative societies to operate sand quarries with the objective of creating employment and ensuring that local communities benefit from the river's natural resources. However, residents allege that the system is being misused, with influential contractors allegedly controlling the entire operation while society members are reduced to working as daily wage labourers.

According to the allegations, contractors invest in excavation, transportation and marketing of sand, pocketing the bulk of the revenue, while the cooperative societies, in whose names the quarry leases are issued, receive little beyond daily wages. Locals claim that the arrangement defeats the very purpose of empowering local communities. Residents have also alleged large-scale violations of mining permissions. They claim that contractors obtain approval to excavate sand in one gram panchayat but transport and stockpile the material in neighbouring panchayats, often on private lands. They further allege that excavation is being carried out well beyond the approved limits, raising concerns over excessive depletion of the riverbed.

The alleged illegal mining has reportedly damaged rural roads due to the continuous movement of heavy vehicles. Environmental activists and villagers have also expressed concern over the long-term impact on the Godavari ecosystem and groundwater resources if unchecked sand extraction continues.

Locals have criticised the lack of effective monitoring by the Mining and Revenue departments, alleging that the violations have continued despite being widely known. They have urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry, enforce mining regulations, protect the Godavari River from indiscriminate excavation and ensure that the intended benefits of the cooperative society model reach its actual members.