As many as 13 boats, including six owned by Guntur-based owners, have been seized for illegally excavating sand in the river Godavari in Rajamahendravaram city in a joint raid on Monday.

Rajamahendravaram Revenue Divisional Officer R. Siva Ramudu, District Mines and Geology Officer D. Phanibhushan Reddy and Irrigation Executive Engineer Mr. Siva conducted the raids in the river Godavari near Havelock Bridge.

According to an official release, Guntur-based Nandoori Raju and K. Balaswami operated three boats each while three more boats were operated by M. Venkata Ramana of the East Godavari district. As many as four boats remain unclaimed by the owners. 

RDO Mr. Siva Ramudu has stated that dredging of sand would not be allowed within a 500-metre range from the bridges across the river Godavari. The revenue, mines and geology and irrigation authorities are investigating the case.

Published - July 20, 2026 09:07 pm IST