HYDERABAD | Nov 06, 2015: The Hyderabad High Court has directed the Telangana government to file an affidavit, explaining why illegal sand mining and transportation was not being treated as a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
Justice C V Nagarjuna Reddy was dealing with a petition filed by Bandari Papi Reddy and others from Medak district seeking a directive to the Sanga Reddy police and tahsildar to release their lorries seized for allegedly transporting sand.
The judge pointed out that the menace of illegal sand mining was threatening the very existence of mankind with rivers drying up and people clamouring for water. “Still this court is unable to understand as to why strong measures are not being taken by the state such as treating illegal sand mining and transportation a serious offence and probably a cognizable and non-bailable offence. Unless such strong measures are taken, it is next to impossible to controll illegal sand mining and transportation, which is causing a serious threat to ecology and environment,” he observed.
Justice Nagarjuna Reddy directed the principal secretaries of revenue and mines and geology departments of Telangana state to file affidavits explaining why illegal sand mining and transportation is not treated as a cognizable and non-bailable offence and also explain the measures being taken by their respective departments for preventing rampant illegal sand mining and transportation.
The judge permitted the petitioners to file applications before the SHO of Sangareddy police station for release of their seized vehicles and said within one week of receipt of such applications, the latter shall consider the same and take a decision in accordance with law. The matter was posted to Nov 16 for further hearing.
(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)