The AP high court today expressed its anger over haphazard, chaotic and illegal sand mining in the state and questioned the Government’s propriety in granting licenses for sand mining with out any proper policy.

During the hearing of a PIL petition that challenged the licensing of sand mining in the state, the court said the Government has been permitting sand mining at its will and pleasure. “The authorities seem to be learning no lessons even after natural calamities followed as a result of the unsystematic sand mining in the state,” observed the court.

Adjourning further hearing till April 2, the state apex court asked the government to take note of the destruction of environs, changing course of the rivers and the drying away of the underground water sources while granting licenses for sand mining.

“Why is the Government not concerned about the destruction of natural environs,” the high court asked the Advocate General. The court adjourned the case after the AG promised to submit a report before April 2 on the issue. (J)