The Supreme Court expressed its anger over the illegal sand mining in AP. The Apex Court was furious with the AP government for carrying out illegal sand mining without even heeding the orders of the Supreme Court. It has directed the AP government to set up a special committee to stop illegal sand mining.
The Supreme Court ordered that Collectors and senior police officers should also be appointed in the committee. It issued orders to visit the illegal sand reaches within four days and take appropriate measures to stop them. The Court has also ordered to set up special cells for redressal of complaints in each district.
“Large scale publicity should be given to ban illegal sand mining. Toll free numbers and e-mail ids should also be set up for complaints. If anyone violates their orders, they will take legal action. The officers of the committee should identify themselves as officers appointed by the Supreme Court and perform their duties. Take criminal action against the violators,” the Supreme Court has issued orders.
The Union Department of Environment and Forests in its interim report has confirmed that illegal sand mining is going on indiscriminately in AP. Siddhartha Luthra, the lawyer representing the defendant, brought it to the attention of the Supreme Court that there was illegal transportation of sand to the extent of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Defendant Danda Nagendra Kumar has placed before the Supreme Court today, along with photos and proofs of the illegal sand mining going on by the AP government. The hearing was held before a bench headed by Justice Abhay Oka.
Last week, the Supreme Court issued orders to immediately send teams of officials to the field level to immediately stop illegal sand mining. The Supreme Court rejected the affidavit filed by the AP government that it would take action on the complaints about sand irregularities.
The Supreme Bench said that they know that all the actions of the AP government are limited to papers. It ordered the AP government to submit an affidavit regarding the steps taken by the Supreme Court to stop illegal sand mining.
