Amaravati, March 04, 2026: The Mines and Geology Department has launched a targeted action plan to stamp out illegal sand mining in Rajamahendravaram and surrounding areas of East Godavari district.
New AI-enabled CCTV cameras will automatically capture vehicle registration numbers, sand load quantities, and transport details, feeding data straight to a central command centre for immediate detection of unauthorised activity.
Thermal drones will patrol sand reaches at night to spot illegal dredging operations, building on successful trial runs by private firms.
The region sees permitted supply of around 15,000 metric tonnes daily, yet large volumes move illegally across Rajamahendravaram Rural, Urban, and Kovvur constituencies. Officials have already booked 440 cases against violators and recovered Rs 91.39 lakh in penalties this season.
