AP Govt. issues comprehensive guidelines to curb illegal mining of sand and other minerals

The government has made it mandatory for field-level officials to conduct regular inspections and proactively report illegal activities without waiting for complaints. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO / KOMMURI SRINIVAS

The government on Friday issued comprehensive interim instructions to strengthen inter-departmental coordination to prevent illegal mining and transportation of sand and other minerals across the state. It established clear responsibilities of various departments and established time-bound verification of complaints, joint field inspections, strict enforcement measures and accountability of derelict officials.

The order (GO Ms.No.278) was issued by Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad in compliance with the directions of the AP High Court in WP (PIL) No. 227 of 2026 filed by Amanchi Krishna Mohan against the State Government regarding illegal sand mining in Bapatla district.

In its order dated October 1, 2026, the court directed the government to formulate comprehensive guidelines to ensure effective prevention of illegal mining and to impose accountability on officials charged with enforcement duties.

According to the GO, the Department of Mines and Geology registered 2,113 cases related to sand violations between July 2024 and July 2026 and imposed fines of ₹6.24 crore. As many as 117 vehicles were blacklisted and 21 FIRs were registered during this period. In the minor minerals sector, 9,120 cases of violations were registered with fines amounting to ₹ 340.90 crore.

The government has since made it mandatory for field-level officials responsible for affected countries to conduct regular inspections and proactively report illegal activities without waiting for complaints. It directed the Water Resources Department to monitor river beds and water bodies, the Revenue Department to monitor government revenue land, the Forest Department to monitor forest land and the Panchayat Raj Department to monitor land under its jurisdiction.

The GO has stipulated that all complaints received through helplines, Vigilance app, petitions and other official channels and print, electronic and digital media should be registered by the District Mines & Geology Officer (DMGO) with unique case IDs. Complaints received by officers of other departments must be forwarded to the DMGO immediately.

The departments concerned have been directed to provide land classification, ownership details and geographical coordinates within three working days of receiving the requests and to verify each complaint through joint field inspections.

If violations are found, the authorities must initiate appropriate legal action, including preventing further illegal mining, assessment of mined quantity and loss of revenue, enforcement of fines, seizure and blacklisting of vehicles, registration of FIRs, prosecution and action against leases and permits, and recovery of unpaid amounts under the Revenue Recovery Act.

Talk Forces

Superintendents of Police have been directed to provide necessary protection to enforcement teams and ensure registration of FIRs for cognizable offences.

In addition, district level task forces are to be activated under the chairmanship of District Collectors with SP, Joint Collector, Mining and Geological Officers and representatives from Revenue, Forest, Water Resources, Panchayat Raj, Transport, Ground Water and Pollution Control Departments as members.

Published – 06 Nov 2026 21:40 IST