Daultabad | May 05, 2017: Residents of Challapur village under Doultabad mandal in Vikarabad district have been appealing to authorities for an immediate halt to illegal mining going on a hillock on the outskirts of the village. People in the adjacent villages are also complaining of problems arising out of illegal mining.
People are forced to spend sleepless nights for fear of a stray stones hitting them. Walls of many houses in the village have developed cracks under the impact of the blasts carried out as part of the illegal mining.
Deafening sounds coming out of blasts have not only been causing sound pollution but also striking terror among the people.
Moreover, sand and rocks are getting deposited in the village fields due to blasting of rocks. Even fodder for cattle seems to be not growing in the rock-filled and dust-filled lands.
Several JCBs and other heavy vehicles like tippers and lorries are plying on the village roads inflicting heavy damage to the roads.
Problems for the villagers multiplied ever since a person belonging to Markapur in Prakasam district, Alluraiah, launched illegal mining two years ago. It all started on a low-key initially, but soon assumed menacing proportions.
Ditches and destroyed hillocks bore the tell-tale signs of destruction all around the village. According to the residents of the village, their representations to the authorities have so far failed to elicit any response. There is no information regarding any company being awarded mining lease.
According to a worker in the illegal crusher, no license has been granted for carrying out mining in the area. There is an extent of 23 acres of government land under survey number 28. Of the total land, 13 acres have been distributed among the landless poor. In the rest of the 10 acres, a person belonging to Prakasam district is running an illegal crusher.
When this issue was taken to the notice of the officials concerned by The Hans India and HMTV, they immediately swung into action. The District Mining Assistant Director Jacob along with Royalty Inspector Ramesh visited the spot and inspected the ongoing works.
They inquired for how long the activity is going on. The officials ordered the stoppage of activity and warned the organisers of severe action if mining was restarted. The Assistant Director said action would be initiated after a comprehensive survey was conducted.
(Source: http://www.thehansindia.com/)