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9. In WP No.22740 of 2000, the petitioners, three in number, possess an extent of Ac.17.03 in Peddakandukur village, Yadagarigutta Mandal, Nalgonda District nearby Kandukuru vagu which flows through the village. Due to floods sand was accumulated and they were granted permission by the MRO as well as by the Gram Panchayat for lifting and transporting the sand. The respondents were, however, stopping their vehicles from quarry and transporting the sand.

10. The case of the petitioners in WP Nos.4628 and 4639 of 2001 is that they hold small extents of dry lands near Aleru vagu and Bikeru stream respectively in Mothkur Mandal, Nalgonda District and that due to floods and accumulated in their lands. They made representations on 22-9-2000 to the authorities to permit them to remove the sand accumulated, but no permission was granted. Their grievance is that unless the sand is removed they cannot cultivate the lands.

12. At the first instance, we will take up the first category of writ petitions filed by the leaseholders who filed the petitions challenging the action of the respondents in interfering with the quarrying and transportation of sand.

By reason of the proceedings No.255 dated 5-5-1999 the Collector observed:

It has come to the notice of the District Collector that the lifting of sand is adversely and drastically affecting the profile of Ground Water in Nalgonda District. This act has also been confirmed by the Deputy Director (GWD) Dept., Nalgonda. Further, there have been large scale representations from public regarding the adverse impact on ground water levels. The entire effort for soil and moisture conservation in the district through watershed and vanasamrakshana programme where a lot of money is being invested, is getting nullified due to indiscriminate lifting of sand.

In view of the circumstances explained above and in exercise of the powers conferred in the above-said Government orders and guidelines issued by the Commissioner, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Hyderabad there shall be a ban on lifting of sand in the entire Nalgonda District except in Gram Panchayats listed in Annexure and where issue is under examination.

13. Yet again referring to orders dated 23-11-1998, in proceedings dated 10-5-1999, it was directed:

In the reference first read above, the telegraphical orders have been issued to all the Divisional Panchayat Officers and Extension Officers (Pts) in the District. With regard to stoppage of sand removal public auctions lease rights to protect the profile of ground water in Nalgonda District which is adversely affected due to lifting of sand from the water courses etc., vested in Gram Panchayats.

In the reference 2nd read above, the District Collector (PW), Nalgonda has issued ban orders with regard to lifting of sand in the entire Nalgonda District under the circumstances explained therein except the Gram Panchayats listed in Annexure and where issue is under examination.

In view of the above, the telegraphic orders issued through reference 1st read above with regard to stoppage of sand removal public auction lease rights are hereby withdrawn with immediate effect.

Copies of the said orders had been communicated to all concerned including all Sarpanches of Gram Panchayats, Mandal Revenue Officers, Superintendent of Police, Nalgonda, Sub-Inspectors of Police and others.