Laterite mining goes unabated

Tandur: Illegal sand mining continued unabated in the Vikarabad district, despite resistance from villagers. The mining without taking proper permission from the government has been causing loss to the government.

Villages like Adkicherla, Tattepalli, Pashapur etc are known for their laterite deposits. Keeping the demand of the laterite, some contractors allegedly digging the lands round the clock. With a single licence, the contractors are reportedly carrying out quarrying in these lands.

Villagers complained to the authorities about the illegal mining and requested them to curb the activities. But the digging has been going on without any break. It is alleged that some officials are also colluded with the contractors. Tribals are cultivating in the government lands near Pashapur. Authorities also sanctioned pass books for them. Some contractors started mining in their lands hurting their livelihood.

As per the rules, sand quarrying should not be carried out beyond a depth of 2 metres from the ground level. But the contractors are digging out sand more than the stipulated limit. Farmers fear that this indiscriminate mining may affect water levels in the region.

When contacted, Jacob Samuel, AD Mines said that they also received information about the illegal mining. "We give permission for mining when revenue officers give no objection certificates. We inspect the areas where illegal mining is reported and we cancel the lease of the contractors who resorted to it, " the AD said.