Collector’s orders flouted as sand mining threatens Tungabhadra water security - Orders on paper, sand mining on ground: Tungabhadra water under threat

Kurnool: What is the point of issuing orders if they cannot be enforced on the ground? This is the question confronting the Kurnool district administration as alleged illegal sand excavation continues in the Tungabhadra riverbed at Panchalingala despite District Collector Dr A Siri reportedly directing officials to initiate stringent action. Barely a day after the Collector’s directions, dozens of tractors were allegedly seen entering the riverbed, raising serious questions over the enforcement machinery and the authority of official orders. With Kurnool already reeling under water stress, residents fear that unchecked sand removal could damage the riverbed’s groundwater-retention capacity and put the drinking-water security of several villages at risk.

The alleged flouting of the Collector’s directions has fuelled growing resentment among villagers, who want to know who is shielding the sand operators and why officials are unable to stop the activity despite clear instructions. Residents allege that Panchalingala is the native place of MP Bastipati Nagaraju, and the father-in-law of MLA Boggula Dastagiri, and suspect that the alleged political connection is one of the reasons for the lack of effective action. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation of political interference is available. However, the allegations have intensified public scrutiny of the administration, particularly when vehicles allegedly continued to operate immediately after the Collector’s reported orders.

The stakes are much higher than illegal sand transportation. The Tungabhadra riverbed is being viewed by villagers as a lifeline for groundwater during the prolonged dry spell. Borewells along the riverbank depend on groundwater recharge associated with the riverbed, and residents fear that indiscriminate sand excavation could disturb the natural system that retains and recharges groundwater. With the IMD recording no rainfall in Kurnool in the 24 hours ending September 16 and the maximum temperature touching 38.3°C, villagers say the administration cannot afford to allow further degradation of an already stressed water source.

More worryingly, residents fear that large-scale water scarcity could persist through the coming dry months and remain a major concern until the next dependable rainy season in 2027 if groundwater sources are further depleted. They argue that every remaining recharge zone must therefore be protected instead of being exposed to unchecked sand extraction. The Mines and Geology Department, revenue officials and police should jointly inspect the riverbed, stop unauthorised excavation, seize vehicles involved in illegal activity and identify those operating the alleged sand network, villagers demand.

The controversy has now put the district administration’s enforcement mechanism under the spotlight. If Collector-level orders are reportedly being ignored within 24 hours, the issue is no longer merely about illegal sand mining, it is about the credibility and implementation of government orders and the protection of drinking-water sources. Villagers want the administration to act decisively before the Tungabhadra riverbed loses more of its sand deposits and the region enters another prolonged period of water scarcity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V Narendra Kumar

V Narendra Kumar[email protected]

Narendra Kumar Varikuntla is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience in reporting and news coverage. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature. He is Staff Correspondent for The Hans India based in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh Before embarking on his career in journalism, he worked with Tata Robins Fraser (TRF) as a Confidential Assistant at the Rourkela Steel Plant, where he served for 10 years. His tenure at TRF enabled him to develop strong administrative, communication, and organisational skills, which have significantly contributed to his success in journalism. He began his journalistic career with Deccan Chronicle, where he gained valuable experience in reporting and news gathering. Since 2015, he has been serving as a Staff Correspondent with The Hans India, covering the erstwhile Kurnool district, including Kurnool and Nandyal. During his journalism career, Narendra Kumar has extensively reported on governance, politics, public affairs, social issues, agriculture, and developmental activities. He is known for his commitment to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In addition to his journalistic profession, he is actively engaged in agriculture and personally cultivates 10 acres of farmland. His close association with farming provides him with firsthand insight into rural life and farmers' issues, enriching his reporting on agriculture and rural development.

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