Jogulamba Gadwal SP inspects sand reaches

Hyderabad: The Jogulamba Gadwal police has initiated measures to prevent sand smuggling from River Tungabhadra. Police personnel have begun checking the online permission receipts and then only allowing vehicles and individuals enter the sand reaches. The police also warned miscreants not to indulge in illegal sand excavation at the river.

On information that some gangs were involved in smuggling sand from Tungabhadra river, Jogulamba Gadwal SP Ritiraj visited the river bank and checked the existing situation.

Ritiraj said that those who need sand should apply for permission online and take it only through sand reaches. The SP visited the sand dump reaches at East Garlapadu, Tummilla, Chinna Danwada, Pedda Danwada and Veni Sompuram villages, on the banks of the river, and examined how the government machinery was functioning at the place.

"Permission will be given to vehicles to shift sand from the reaches based on the online booking system. The police will take strict action if there is any violation of rules,” she said and added that all steps were being taken to prevent illegal transport of sand by unauthorised vehicles.

She asked the officials of relevant departments to maintain constant vigil at the sand reaches as there is information about some gangs involved in illegal sand mining.

The revenue and mining officials were also directed to prevent such activities. The Sis were told to increase vigil with Blue Colts and patrolling personnel beside the river and also carry out inspections to prevent illegal transport of sand.

Ritiraj also interacted with the villagers and sought their assistance to prevent the illegal activity. She advised villagers to call 100 and alert the police by providing information about sand smuggling. "If any individual or group of individuals are indulged in smuggling sand, they will be booked under the PD Act and stern action will be taken,” the SP warned.