Illegal sand excavation

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced a new system for local sand booking, emphasizing the need to curb illegal sand mining and protect mineral resources in Andhra Pradesh. The state CID will investigate past irregularities, while customers will now book sand through local secretariats, ensuring standardized transportation costs. In Karnataka, District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has ordered a temporary halt to all earth excavation activities due to increased risks of landslides during the monsoon season, following public complaints and safety concerns. Meanwhile, illegal sand excavation near Rohna mine in Madhya Pradesh has prompted action from the Revenue and Mineral Department, which seized equipment amid ongoing investigations. Concurrently, the Supreme Court is hearing a case on illegal sand mining in Andhra Pradesh, where the state government seeks three months for a scientific assessment of the situation. The government argues that previous evidence of illegal activities has been compromised due to recent floods.