Sand smuggling cases in Krishna District

Smuggling of sand has always been a cause for concern, however, with the new sand policy in fray, there has been a substantial increase in the activity compared to last year. In 2018, cops and vigilance and enforcement directorate (V&E) together had booked 106 cases against smugglers in Krishna district. Now, from mid-October till date, around 230 cases have been registered and 640 individuals have been booked in the district. The numbers are a 178% increase compared to the number of sand smuggling cases last year. In Krishna district, there are eight sand reaches. Sources said that miscreants walk near Kanaka Durga Varadhi and grab bags of sand before leaving the spot. With unprecedent shortage of sand and increase in price, sand smuggling has turned out to be a roaring business in Krishna district. An illegal sand grabber has to spend only Rs 2, the price of an empty cement bag.