Mines Officials Seize Illegal Sand Mining Vehicles

KAKINADA: Konaseema mining department officials conducted surprise raids against illegal sand transportation activity on the seaside at Komaragiripatnam in Allavaram mandal of Konaseema district on Thursday midnight and seized a machine used for sand excavation and two trucks ready for transportation.

Sand was dug up to create illegal water bodies, officials said.

Konaseema district mines and geology officer B. Ashok Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that the raids will continue to curb illegal transportation of sand and other minerals and warned that no one would be spared.

He said that a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh was imposed on the owners of the seized vehicles and machinery.

He warned against illegal mining in public areas without obtaining the necessary permits.