Sand Mafia thrives, Govt silent in East Godavari

Rajamahendravaram, May 24: Former Minister and East Godavari District President Chelluboina Srinivas Venu Gopalakrishna criticised the coalition government for turning a blind eye to rampant illegal sand mining in the Godavari River, where 80 dredgers are operating without oversight, causing severe environmental damage. Speaking to the media in Rajamahendravaram, he questioned the government's silence on the sand mafia and demanded accountability for the large-scale illegal sand extraction and transportation, which he claimed benefits coalition leaders while depriving boatmen’s societies of their rightful earnings.

Gopalakrishna criticized the coalition for ascending to power through falsehoods spread by yellow media outlets like Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi, ETV, TV5, and ABN against YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He accused them of failing to implement promised schemes like Super Six and resorting to diversionary politics, such as the Tirumala Laddu controversy, to mask their inefficiencies. He contrasted this with YS Jagan’s governance, which fulfilled promises like Navaratnalu and supported people during the COVID-19 crisis despite revenue losses. The coalition, he alleged, has borrowed Rs. 1.59 lakh crore in one year while spreading lies about state debts to deflect criticism.

The former minister further slammed the coalition’s free sand policy as a scam, noting that the previous YSRCP government earned Rs. 3,500 crore from sand, whereas now, revenue is being siphoned off to coalition leaders. He also highlighted mismanagement in liquor sales, where increased sales have led to reduced revenue, pointing to corruption. Gopalakrishna urged the government to address the illegal sand mining in Rajamahendravaram and ensure transparency in governance.