Illegal mining on forest lands poses threat to locals

Adilabad: Illegal quarrying of granite on forest lands is being carried out unchecked in the district. Permission has been granted for quarrying on a small areas, but the contractors are encroaching upon the forest lands and carrying on the illegally activity. The blasting in mines is creating scare among the local people. The people have complained that their houses have developed cracks under the impact of blasts. The mining has already claimed lives of three people as they were buried in crushed pits. Officials have permitted the use of three crushers in areas near Umri and Kolhari villages in Gudihatnoor mandal, stipulating that they should be operated three kilometres away from residential areas and stay away from fertile lands. But, the contractors allegedly set up crushers half kilometre away from the villages.
Children and elderly persons have taken ill because of the crusher blasts. Dust being raised in blasts is enveloping the cotton and other crops, causing severe loss to debt-ridden farmers.
Two companies, which secured the permission to set crushers in 6.32 acres allegedly extended the operations to 10 acres. Two other companies did not have permission for use of crushers, yet they are continuing.
Umri Girijan Patel Madan told The Hans India that these companies were illegally taking up quarrying in forest land in violation of regulations. Following reckless blasting by the companies villages experienced tremors, claimed a tribal youth Manik Rao. Residents of the two villages expressed concern as their houses developed cracks.
Vidya Committee Chairman Venkatesh accused officials of failing to take action to stop illegal quarrying even after students of Umri residential school protested.
However, Gudihatnoor MRO Motiram told The Hans India that action would be taken against the contractors for violation of regulations after conducting an inquiry. Girijan farmers want the district administration to stop “illegal stone crushing.”