Andhra Pradesh High Court orders strict guidelines to curb illegal mining

The Andhra Pradesh High Court directed top officials to frame comprehensive guidelines to curb illegal sand and mineral mining across the state. A bench comprising Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Challa Gunaranjan issued the directive, instructing the principal secretaries of the mines, revenue, environment and forest, and home departments to coordinate and submit a joint affidavit.

The bench criticized departments for shifting blame and failing to check violations, pointing out that booking drivers, cleaners, and clerks while leaving masterminds untouched serves no purpose. The court asked why police patrolling and pickets failed to identify the actual culprits behind the large-scale extractions flagged in Bapatla district.

Former MLA Amanchi Krishna Mohan filed a public interest litigation regarding unauthorized sand digging in Kavurivaripalem village of Chirala mandal. His counsel presented satellite imagery showing deep pits in survey numbers 47 and 607, alleging that two hundred lorries transported sand daily while officials ignored the activity.

Government pleaders informed the bench that twenty-five cases were registered, night surveillance was intensified, and a helpline was established. The court remarked that if the helpline functioned effectively, multiple petitions would not reach the judiciary. The bench ordered the creation of a dedicated complaint helpline and adjourned the hearing.