Monazite which is a key source of Radio-active mineral, Thorium is found in beach sand. Thorium has huge demand in international markets. Monazite is found in beach sands of Bheemili and Machilipatnam.
According to a report in Andhrajyothy, Union Government has got complaints that Andhra Pradesh Government is Illegally Exporting Beach Sand to foreign countries. For the export of Monazite, approval of Union Government is necessary since it is an issue of National Security.
Department of Atomic Energy has asked the state government for a clarification and also canceled fifteen beach sand exports until this is cleared. AP Government sent a report on February 3rd but DEA sought more clarifications.
Andhra Pradesh Government is yet to respond to that. If these allegations of illegal exports of Radio-active minerals are true, it is a big issue of National Security and Jagan Government will be in trouble.
The mining and export of Radio-active Minerals is prohibited and involves strigent punishments under the rules of DEA and various previous verdicts of the Supreme Court and Tamil Nadu High Court.
