Karimnagar District: Illegal sand mining continues unchecked in parts of Karimnagar district, raising serious concerns among local residents. Large-scale sand extraction is reportedly taking place from the Bikkavagu stream in Chokkaraopalle village of Ganneruvaram mandal.
The state government had permitted the free collection of sand from local streams strictly for personal use. However, locals allege that some individuals have misused this relaxation to run a full-fledged illegal business. Sand is being transported to other areas using tractors in clear violation of regulations, generating substantial profits for those involved.
Tensions escalated after tractor owners from Pothuru village in Illanthakunta mandal of Rajanna Sircilla district allegedly used a JCB to dump soil across pipes located beneath the Bikkavagu road in Chokkaraopalle. The obstruction is said to prevent the flow of floodwater, posing a potential threat to the village during the rainy season.
In response, villagers, along with Sarpanch Arikantham Gopal Reddy, stopped the sand-laden tractors and demanded that the dumped soil be removed immediately. This led to a heated argument between the villagers and the tractor owners.
The Sarpanch stated that he had informed the Sub-Inspectors of Ganneruvaram and Illanthakunta police stations, but claimed that there has been no response so far. Villagers are urging the authorities to intervene promptly and take strict action to curb the illegal sand mining activities.
