After a monsoon season marked by four significant flood spells, sand excavation activities have now fully resumed across 27 designated river reaches of the Godavari. This crucial restart in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district was made possible as floodwaters completely receded, allowing boat operators and heavy machinery to access and transport sand efficiently via both waterways and newly re-established temporary roads.
During a recent review meeting with district officials, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar confirmed the full operational status. He stated that ‘all 27 reaches have been opened for sand collection and excavation along the banks of Vasista and Gouthami,’ referring to the two main branches of the Godavari River that flow through the district.
By the close of the monsoon season, the region had accumulated an impressive seven lakh metric tonnes of sand at various stock points. To ensure efficient operations and fair distribution, mechanized boats are now authorized to collect sand directly from the river, with the Department of Mines closely monitoring and tracking all bulk sand orders.