Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Saturday said there was no threat to the natural flow of the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers due to the exploration of beach sands along the Srikakulam coast in Andhra Pradesh.
The Srikoormam and Bhavanapadu Placer deposits contain beach sand minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite and rutile. Ten years ago, the mining of these minerals was allowed in the Srikoormam Placer, located between the confluence of the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers with the Bay of Bengal.
Exploration for beach sand minerals has resurfaced after the Center announced in the Union Budget 2026 the development of Rare Earth Corridors (REMC) in South India, including Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Rammohan Naidu told the media, “All legal hurdles have been cleared for mineral exploration from beach sand along the Srikakulam coast. Ecosystems of two rivers – Nagavali and Vasmadhara will not be endangered due to exploration.”
Mr. Rammohan added that scientific studies are being conducted to restore the flows of these two rivers, which are facing threats from aquaculture practices.
New airport
On the proposal to build an airport in Godavari region, Mr. Rammohan Naidu said that the state government is just waiting for the final call for the airport, which was earlier proposed in Kakinada and Tuni.
Published – 8 Feb 2026 19:40 IST
