Kurnool: A lucrative trade in sand is prospering between the inter-state border villages on either side of river Tungabhadra. The Tungabhadra river divides Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states near Kurnool. With better quality of sand reserves still existing in Tungabhadra, the border district of Gadwal Jogulamba in Telangana state is depending on the sand mined from the river bed of Tungabhadra.
Though there is nor restriction on sand mining in AP, Telangana end of river bank is under scrutiny Telangana Mineral Development Corportation has not called for tenders so far, said officials. With rising demand from construction activity in the Telangana state, some enterprising businessmen are resorting to hoarding of sand. There are allegations that sand is mined from marsh areas of the river bed despite presence of water.
According to one estimate there is about 3.5 lakhs cubic meters of sand in Ryalampadu and 25 thousand cubic meters each in Pullur and Chinna Dhanwada villages. This treasure is being mined illegally during the night times, it is alleged by the villagers. A trader said that there is a waiting period of 15 to 20 days for a tipper load of sand from Tungabhadra. And that it comes with a pricey tag. A deposit of Rs 50,000 has to be made to get a tipper load of sand. For tractor load, the advance amount is pegged at Rs 16,000. The traders from Kurnool are making a killing in sand transport by encashing on the scarcity of the commodity, say reliable sources.
