KARIMNAGAR: Information Technology, municipal, urban development and mines minister K.T. Rama Rao said that exploitation of natural resources would not be tolerated. He made a surprise visit to sand quarries near Kothapalli and Moyathummeda vaagu on the outskirts of the city before arriving to the city for attending in a state-level meeting of municipalities held here on Monday.
Mr Rama Rao inspected the quarries without intimating authorities of the district and officials of NMDC. It is learned that he expre-ssed ire over illegal quarrying of sand and granite going unabated in the district following involvement of legislators belonging to the TRS. He instructed authorities to book cases against smugglers of sand and granite. The minister enqui-red about how the sand was being illegally quarried in the district. He directed SP D. Joel Davis and RDO B. Chandrasekhar to take steps to curb illegal mining of sand immediately. It is stated that he was unhappy over hiding of sand by certain contractors at Kotha-palli sand reach.
The minister cautioned that stern action would be taken against those who use sand without obtaining permission. Lorries which were transporting sand more than permitted were seized. Similarly, licenses of contractors who were indulging in unauthorised mining of sand were cancelled. Apparently, his surprise inspection sent shockwaves among authorities and smugglers of sand.
