The construction sector is growing swiftly, increasing the demand for sand. Illegal sand mining is rampant in the Telangana state. Despite several attempts by the government to curb the sand mafia, there is hardly any headway. The government brought the new sand policy to regulate such illegal doings but is constrained only to documents.

As per the reports, police, revenue and mining officials in Mahabubnagar district are acting as hand in glove. Any vehicle used for extraction and transportation of sand in contravention to these rules is seized, the sand is being dumped at Tahsildar office or at the nearby police state. As per the policy, the vehicle should be confiscated, however, the punishment for the crime is to transport sand to government offices where construction is being done in the same vehicle. The vehicles are being let off without any case after doing around 5 to 10 trips. This process originated in Narayanpet allegedly with the help of revenue officials, police and mining officials. Reports suggest that process is rife in Mahabubnagar’s Narayanpet, Utkoor, Manganoor, Makthal, Dhanwada, Damaragidda, Narva and Athmakuru. It is being done with the help of leaders of all the political parties. As the regions share borders with Karnataka, lack of attention from the administration is giving rise to these situations.

Similar scenario is seen in Jogulamba Gadwal district which is causing huge loss to the exchequer of the district. The new sand policy is just on paper. It may be noted that on June16, K T Rama Rao warned that strict action will be taken if shortage of sand is created. However, there is no change in the behaviour at regional level.