According to the Deccan Chronicle, a detailed study of satellite pictures over a period of 10 years, from 2002-2012 by Andhra Pradesh State Remote Sensing Applications Centre has revealed an alarming increase in the spread of sand dunes over the last decade.
Experts, in fact, say that the presence of sand dunes at D. Honnur in Kanekal mandal in Rayadurg Assembly constituency is an indication of desertification of Anantapur district.
While the Centre had declared this year that it would take preventive measures against desertification in the country, Rayadurg MLA and chief whip Kaluva Sreenivasulu sought a survey by the AP State Remote Sensing Applications Centre over formation of sand dunes in Kanekal mandal two months ago.
A representation was submitted to the Centre seeking special attention towards treatment of sand dunes to prevent them from further spreading. The team stated that the spread of sand dunes was due to depletion of ground water and rain deficit.
“We have launched a treatment programme with an amount of Rs 16 crore in Kanekal mandal. We will continue with it,” said Mr Sreenivasulu.