Illegal sand extraction near Annaram barrage pillars raises safety concerns

Unauthorised sand extraction near the Annaram barrage has raised serious safety concerns despite Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s assurance on repairs. A viral video shows sand mining close to the pillars, prompting allegations of political involvement and regulatory lapses

Hyderabad: In blatant violation of rules and regulations, sand is being extracted near the pillars of the Annaram barrage, triggering serious concerns over the stability and safety of the structure.

This comes after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy assured that repairs would be taken up at the Medigadda barrage, Sundilla barrage and Annaram barrages, and that they would not be allowed to fall into disrepair.

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However, in sharp contrast to the Chief Minister’s assurances, unauthorised sand extraction is reportedly continuing near the Annaram barrage. Despite strict regulations prohibiting such activity, illegal extraction and transportation of sand are continuing unabated.

As per regulations, sand extraction is not permitted within 500 metres upstream or downstream of the barrage. However, a video circulating on social media shows a few individuals extracting sand very close to the barrage pillars.

Although there are clear restrictions on the movement of vehicles and trucks into the riverbed, the video shows unauthorised sand extraction near the pillars, involving a large contingent of earthmovers and trucks engaged in these operations.

There are also allegations that some local leaders from the ruling Indian National Congress party are involved in these irregularities. While leaders from Karimnagar were reportedly involved in illegal sand extraction in the upstream areas, those from Nalgonda were allegedly continuing similar operations downstream.