ANANTAPUR: The AP State Remote Sensing Applications Centre has recorded an alarming increase in the spread of sand dunes over the last decade.

As much as 0.32 sq. km of land is being covered by sand dunes every year since the last 10 years.

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 team comprising three scientists conducted a study on the peculiar situation at D. Honnur. After a detailed study of satellite pictures over a period of 10 years, from 2002-2012, the team noticed that an average of 0.32 sq. km of land was being covered by sand every year.

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.