Locals find hidden treasures in sand during ‘Gold Rush’ at Andhra beach; what’s behind the phenomenon?

New Delhi: Residents of a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh were in for a pleasant surprise when the sea threw up gold on the beach. Now, they are combing through the sand to collect the gold particles and beads washed ashore.

It’s all happening in Uppada Beach, located in the East Godavari district, where the discovery is unprecedented. The ‘gold rush’ is nothing short of a mad scramble. Locals, including fishermen, have been searching on the beach sand with combs, hoping to uncover gold nuggets, grains, and even ornaments.

About the Uppada Beach

Uppada is a town that comes under the Kakinada revenue division. Recently, deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recommended that Uppada and other beaches in the region can be turned into international tourist destinations, by using the local charm and natural beauty.

Gold discoveries on the beach are not new. Villagers from nearby areas, including Uppada and Suradapet in the U Kothapalli block, have been uncovering gold particles and beads in the sand for many years. There are times when local fishermen find not just small gold grains, but entire ornaments or full gold pieces.

What’s behind the gold discovery?

The phenomenon is linked to the region’s coastal erosion that continues. Many houses and temples have been swept away by the sea, taking with them the gold items they once held. These heavy and durable pieces are now being washed back ashore by strong waves, particularly after storms.

The phenomenon is tied to the region’s ongoing coastal erosion. Over many years, a number of houses and temples have been engulfed by the sea, and with them, the gold items they housed. These pieces are now being washed back ashore during powerful waves – especially following storms.

Cyclone Nivar has brought in its wake the recent ‘gold rush’. The cyclone hit the southern coast in November, and resulted in massive damage and deaths. The high tide brought about by the cyclone stirred up the seabed, leading to gold particles and beads being deposited on the shore. Fishermen were the first to discover the shimmering treasure, and as the news spread, scores of people rushed to the beach to find gold. Some lucky locals have found gold worth approximately Rs 3,500 each, some reports say.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Lovu Raju reportedly said that it was customary in the area to bury small gold beads during the construction of houses and temples. Over time as coastal structures eroded, the gold particles were carried into the sea. The waves of Cyclone Nivar likely washed some of these particles ashore.