*Cheyyeru sand loot exposed*

Tadepalli, August 4: YSRCP General Secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy said nearly one crore metric tonnes of sand has been illegally transported from the Cheyyeru river basin under the protection of coalition government leaders, causing large-scale destruction of natural resources. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, he said the riverbed was being excavated to depths of 20 to 30 feet without environmental, mining or forest clearances, while 150 to 200 lorries were transporting sand every day. Vehicles permitted to carry 30 tonnes were being loaded with 60–70 tonnes, damaging roads and endangering public safety, he said.

Srikanth Reddy said permission existed for only about three lakh metric tonnes, but indiscriminate mining continued openly without action from officials. During a recent inspection sand every day. Vehicles permitted to carry 30 tonnes were being loaded with 60–70 tonnes, damaging roads and endangering public safety, he said.

Srikanth Reddy said permission existed for only about three lakh metric tonnes, but indis with the Rajampet MLA, machinery was temporarily hidden and operations resumed immediately after they left. Deep excavation has damaged farmers’ borewells, affected irrigation and made it difficult even for cattle to cross the river.

YSRCP will approach the National Green Tribunal over illegal mining, excessive excavation, unauthorised machinery and large-scale sand transportation. The issue will also be raised nationally. Srikanth Reddy questioned Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s silence despite holding the Environment portfolio and demanded an explanation for his failure to act.

He said Andhra Pradesh’s financial condition had sharply deteriorated, with GST and revenue growth falling behind national averages despite the coalition government borrowing in two years what the previous government borrowed in five. He demanded an end to diversion politics and immediate action against those responsible. YSRCP will intensify a public movement if the government fails to stop the Cheyyeru sand loot.