Telangana sand revenue sees sharp surge amid reforms

Crack down on illegal sand mining with GPS, CCTV

The Telangana government has implemented major reforms since early 2024 to improve transparency, curb illegal sand mining and enhance operational efficiency. Key measures include installing weighbridges and CCTV cameras at sand reaches across the State for real-time monitoring. GPS tracking has been made mandatory for trucks transporting sand to ensure traceability and prevent unauthorized movement.

Joint task forces comprising police, revenue, mining and Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation (TSMDC) officials conduct regular inspections and raids to check illegal transport.

Sand loading is restricted to daytime hours, from 6 AM to 6 PM, to reduce clandestine activity. A strict one-time loading policy per vehicle is enforced through web-based billing, with penalties and vehicle seizures for violations. Weighbridges near extraction points help prevent overloading, with fines and seizures imposed for non-compliance.

An integrated dashboard tracks daily operations, while a dedicated IT team monitors CCTV feeds for timely intervention. The Mana Isukavahanam platform enables computerized billing and verification, supported by awareness programmes for officials, promoting accountability and sustainable mining practices.

MAHESH AVADHUTHA  I hyderabad

In a major boost to Telangana’s mining sector, sand extraction revenue has risen sharply over the past two fiscal years, reflecting reforms introduced by the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government to curb corruption and streamline operations.

Official data show that revenue increased from Rs 738.25 crore in FY 2024–25 to Rs 807.37 crore in the first 11 months of FY 2025–26. Sand excavation rose from 179.88 lakh metric tonnes (MT) in FY 2024–25 to 193.83 lakh MT between April 2025 and February 2026, marking a 9.4% rise in revenue and a 7.7% increase in volume, even with one month remaining.

Month-wise comparisons indicate strong momentum. In June, collections rose from Rs 96.87 crore (23.65 lakh MT) in 2024–25 to Rs 102.10 crore (26.00 lakh MT) in 2025–26. May figures climbed from Rs 77.91 crore to Rs 88.26 crore, while December saw a sharp jump from Rs 59.38 crore to Rs 91.20 crore. Even September, traditionally a slower month, recorded growth from Rs 27.18 crore to Rs 44.96 crore. 

The surge aligns with heightened construction and infrastructure activity across Hyderabad and other regions.

After assuming office in December 2023, the government revamped the sand policy, terming the previous system corruption-prone. Reforms introduced in February 2024 included an integrated online booking system, geo-tagging, GPS tracking and designated stockyards to curb illegal mining, which was earlier estimated at 25%. Booking timings were streamlined and digital monitoring strengthened.

In 2025, stricter enforcement followed, with district collectors and police directed to intensify monitoring, conduct vigilance raids and ensure monthly audits.

Mines and Geology Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy, who took charge in June 2025, further intensified the crackdown, advocating AI-based surveillance and zero tolerance toward illegal mining, contributing to higher official collections and reduced mafia influence.