NGT notices on sand mining

Hyderabad: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday issued notices to the Centre, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra governments besides KG Basin authorties on a plea against illegal sand mining on the banks of rivers. The hearing was posted for March 16.

The petition pointed out that sand mining was being done at Annaram and Medigadda in Telangana though there was no dam being constructed at these locations, citing it illegal.

An NGO has filed a petition before the tribunal seeking interim orders to stop sand mining on the banks of rivers in these states.

The petition also brought to the notice of the tribunal that sand mining was being done on  the banks of Krishna and Godavari rivers.

The counsel on behalf of AP requested the tribunal to continue hearings on desilting of Prakasam barrage stating that once rainy season comes, it would create problems.