AIBSP and Tribal leaders demands CBI Probe into irregularities in Godavari Sand Mining in Telangana
Hyderabad, June 7 (TNT): Former Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. J. Purnachandra Rao (Retd.), National Coordinator of the All India Bahujan Samaj Party (AIBSP), and former MLA and former Khammam Zilla Parishad Chairman Chanda Lingaiah Dora have called for a comprehensive CBI probe into alleged irregularities in sand mining activities along the Godavari River in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu districts in Telangana.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, the leaders alleged that large-scale sand extraction was being carried out under the guise of desiltation works linked to the Sitarama Irrigation Project.
They claimed that sand was being excavated and sold through tribal sand societies operating in Bhadrachalam, Dummugudem, Wazeedu and Venkatapuram areas, while local tribal communities were receiving only limited benefits from the activity.
According to the leaders, 114 tribal sand societies are functioning across the two districts, including 74 in Bhadradri Kothagudem and 40 in Mulugu.
Alleging a lack of transparency in the utilisation of revenues generated through sand mining, they demanded that the State Government release a White Paper detailing total sand extraction, revenue collections, expenditure incurred and funds allocated for the development of Scheduled Areas.
They also sought an independent financial audit of all transactions related to sand mining since 2014.
Citing estimates presented by Chanda Lingaiah Dora, the leaders claimed that approximately 5.7 lakh cubic metres of sand were being extracted daily and sold at an average price of around ₹1,800 per cubic metre.
Based on these calculations, they alleged that total revenues generated through Godavari sand mining between 2014 and 2026 could exceed ₹2 lakh crore.
The leaders further alleged shortcomings in the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), the Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Regulation (1/70 Regulation), and the Forest Rights Act.
They contended that several decisions affecting Scheduled Areas were being taken without the consent of Gram Sabhas, contrary to constitutional provisions governing tribal self-governance.
Seeking the intervention of the Governor, whom they described as the constitutional guardian of Scheduled Areas, they urged a review of governance mechanisms, utilisation of natural resources and issues relating to tribal land rights.
They said a delegation would soon submit a memorandum to the Governor.
The leaders also expressed concern over what they termed increasing threats to tribal lands, languages, culture and religious traditions.
They announced plans to intensify their campaign for greater tribal self-governance and the creation of a separate “Adivasi State”.
Among other demands, they sought inclusion of the Koya language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, a separate code for “Adivasi Religion” in the 2027 Census, effective utilisation of ST Sub-Plan funds under Gram Sabha supervision, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures for families displaced by the Polavaram Project.
They reiterated their demand for a special investigation, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or under the supervision of the High Court, into Godavari sand mining operations, implementation of PESA provisions and utilisation of revenues generated from natural resources in tribal areas.
TNT TS
