Illegal sand, gravel mining alleged in Anakapalli district
Allegations of illegal sand and gravel mining have been reported from several parts of Anakapalli district, with residents claiming that unauthorised extraction continues despite existing regulatory controls.
Residents said sand is being mined from the catchment areas of the Sarada, Varaha and Pedderu rivers, even though the State government has permitted extraction only from 20 notified reaches. They alleged that sand from illegal sites is being transported directly to markets, bypassing official stock points.
To meet local demand, the government had established stockyards in Anakapalli, Nakkapalli, Narsipatnam, Achyutapuram, Madugula, Sabbavaram and Chodavaram mandals, sourcing sand from Srikakulam and Rajamahendravaram districts. However, residents said these stockyards have been weakened by illegal supply chains.
Gravel mining has also reportedly increased across several mandals. Residents alleged unauthorised excavation in villages including Golagam, Bhattipudi, Kunchangi, Koondram, Sampathipuram and Satyanarayanapuram in Anakapalli mandal. Similar activity was reported in the Sabbavaram, Parawada, Achyutapuram, and Rambilli mandals, mostly during the night hours.
Locals said informal stockyards for sand and gravel have come up across the district, where material is stored and sold without permits. A tractor-load of sand reportedly costs ₹4,000 to ₹6,000, while gravel is sold at around ₹3,000 per load, resulting in losses in government royalty revenue.
Residents further alleged that gravel from government land is being used for land-filling works at pharmaceutical units in Achyutapuram, Parawada and Rambilli mandals. They claimed some local political actors are involved in transport contracts and unauthorised excavation.
Concerns were also raised over enforcement, with residents questioning coordination among the Mines and Geology, Revenue and Police departments. They alleged that sand is being excavated at night, stored in orchards and vacant lands across several mandals, and sold during the day.
Under existing rules, gravel mining requires approvals from the Revenue and Mines and Geology departments as well as local panchayats, along with valid permits and transit challans. However, residents alleged that violations continue.
They urged the district administration to strengthen enforcement, remove illegal stockyards and take strict action against unauthorised mining.