13 boats seized for illegal sand mining in Rajamahendravaram

Rajamahendravaram Revenue Divisional Officer R. Siva Ramudu inspected the site of illegal sand mining in the Godavari river in Rajamahendravaram town on Monday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As many as 13 boats, including six owned by owners from Guntur, were seized for illegal sand mining in the Godavari river in Rajamahendravaram town in a joint raid on Monday.

R. Siva Ramudu, District Director of Mines and Geology D. Phanibhushan Reddy and Executive Irrigation Engineer Mr. Siva conducted raids in the Godavari River near Havelock Bridge.

According to the official report, Guntur-based Nandoori Raju and K. Balaswami operated three boats each, while the other three boats were operated by M. Venkata Ramana of East Godavari district. Up to four boats remain unclaimed by their owners.

RDO Mr. Siva Ramudu said sand dredging would not be allowed within 500 meters of the bridges over the Godavari river. The Treasury, Mines, Geology and Irrigation Departments are investigating the case.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 21:07 IST