Illegal Sand Mining Reported in Mortad Mandal

Mortad Tahsildar Says Action Will Be Taken Over Illegal Sand Mining

Illegal sand mining activities have reportedly resumed in Mortad mandal, with large quantities of sand being extracted from the Gandlapet Pedda Vagu area during night hours. The activity has continued for several days, raising concerns among local residents about unchecked sand transportation.

Tractors have been transporting sand from the stream throughout the night, with excavation reportedly carried out using Poclain machines. Despite the visible movement of sand-laden tractors along the national highway until early morning, residents say authorities have not intervened so far.

Night-Time Sand Extraction Reported

Local sources indicate that illegal sand mining has intensified in recent days across the Mortad mandal. Excavation work is reportedly taking place in the Gandlapet Pedda Vagu area after midnight.

Heavy machinery is being used to dig sand from the stream bed, which is then transported using tractors. The movement of these vehicles continues from late at night until early morning, according to reports from the area.

Observers say the activity has continued for nearly a week, even as the transportation of sand remains clearly visible on nearby roads.

Allegations of Organised Sand Transport

Residents claim that illegal sand extraction is being conducted in an organised manner. According to information circulating locally, tractor operators are allegedly paying ₹50,000 for a ten-day arrangement to transport sand.

It is also reported that approximately ₹5,000 is being collected per tractor for sand transportation. As a result, large sand stockpiles have appeared in areas around Gandlapet and the outskirts of Mortad.

Local communities say the situation has been widely discussed in Mortad, Kammerpalli, and the surrounding areas over the past week. However, no official action has been reported so far.

Demand Increases Amid Sand Supply Shortage

Demand for sand has increased in the region because official sand reaches have not yet been opened. The government introduced the “Mana Isuka – Mana Vahanam” system, requiring people to apply online to obtain sand legally.

Under this system, applicants submit a request online, which is reviewed by the concerned secretary before being forwarded to the Tahsildar for approval. Once approved, applicants can obtain sand from authorised reaches.

However, residents say that although applications have been submitted through the system, sand has not yet been supplied to applicants. This has created shortages for people undertaking house construction and other building work.

Excavation Near Railway Bridge Raises Concerns

Reports also indicate that sand excavation has taken place near the railway bridge located in the Gandlapet Pedda Vagu stream.

The digging activity has reportedly created pits near the structure, raising concerns about possible risks to the bridge. Local residents say authorities should prevent mining activities in such sensitive areas.

Officials Respond to Allegations

Mortad Tahsildar Krishna stated that the issue of illegal sand transportation from Gandlapet had not come to his attention.

He said that legal action would be taken if illegal sand mining was found in the mandal. The official also confirmed that applications for sand through the Mana Isuka system have been received.

According to the Tahsildar, officials are currently examining the Palem and Sunket sand reaches to supply sand to applicants. He added that a joint inspection with the MPDO and the SI would be conducted soon.