Kadapa: The NDA government has intensified its focus on the widespread exploitation of sand during the YSRCP government’s rule, with particular attention on the irregularities overseen by former Mines Director VG Venkata Reddy. The mining department’s negligence allowed monopolistic companies to operate with impunity, leading to significant environmental and economic damage.
Vigilance officials have launched a comprehensive field-level investigation into the frauds orchestrated by Venkata Reddy and the looting by YSRCP officials who allegedly shared profits from illegal sand mining operations. Investigations are currently underway in YSR and Annamaya districts, with a focus on illegal excavations in rivers like Papaghni, Penna, Kundu, and their tributaries, which were plundered over five years using heavy machinery in defiance of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) warnings.
Jayaprakash (JP) Power Ventures was identified as the primary contractor in these districts from May 2021 to November 2023, with Turnka Enterprises serving as the subcontractor. Vigilance officials are probing who orchestrated these operations, questioning victims, and collecting evidence against the key figures behind the sand mafia.
In YSR district, Porumamilla sand collector Narayana Reddy, facing intense pressure, reportedly contemplated suicide. A significant leader from the Kamalapuram constituency, who previously fought against the sand mafia while in YSRCP, eventually joined the TDP for support. The vigilance team has gathered critical details about these leaders and is working to meet victims who suffered due to inflated sand prices and lack of access.
The investigation also targets handwritten bills and unauthorized cash collections, with efforts being made to compile evidence at the ground level. The complaints against the now-resigned Deputy Director (DD) of the Mines Department in Annamaya district are mounting, as it is alleged that he and the then district collectors ignored public complaints regarding the sand mafia’s activities.
