Villagers urge revocation of granite mining licences

Visakhapatnam: Two mining companies are reportedly involved in carrying out granite mining in the catchment area of Kalyanalova minor irrigation project in Ravikamatham mandal of the district. The locals have been urging the concerned departments to revoke their licences as the mining activity has led to water contamination.

Based on the complaints from the villagers, government authorities had earlier stalled the mining activity of BVL Granites at Challgondamma Thalli Konda at Rochupanuku village of the same mandal. However, the mining licence was not cancelled and that created suspicions among the public.

According to the villagers, the company stopped mining here as they did not find the required stone.

The Mining and Geology Department granted licences to two other firms – Stone Plus and Sai Mining Company to carry out granite mining in Somalamma hill and other areas on porampoke land near Cheemalapadu village in Ravikamatham mandal.

“The members of the mining mafia colluded with the lower staff of the Irrigation Department to enter into the catchment area of the reservoir. The officials submitted an erroneous joint inspection report recommending a mining licence for over 5.34 hectare in favour of Stone Plus,” the villagers claimed.

The joint inspection report misled by stating that the main village and habitations were more than a kilometre away from the mining site whereas the hamlet of Ajaypuram of Khond tribals was situated within 600 metres from the mining area. It also suppressed the fact that the mining area was located right at the heart of the Kalyanlova catchment region.

Rythu Swarajya Vedika co-convener P.S. Ajay Kumar says, “Mining activity will damage the catchment, reduce inflows into the reservoir and contaminate the water stored. Though the inspection report indicated the existence of the Cheemalapadu reserve forest block near the mining site, it was silent on the adverse impact of mining on the forest resources.”

He added, “The mining activity appears to be illegal as the company is carrying on mining over a much larger area compared to the extent indicated in the joint inspection report. A senior administration officer must inspect the area in the presence of tribals to ascertain the facts. The company as well as those who submitted an incorrect report should be punished.”

When asked, district collector K. Bhaskar sought a detailed report on the alleged illegal mining activity. He assured that he would take strict action against the mining firm if it was found to be violating the rules. However, he did not ask the irrigation officials to stop the mining in the catchment area of a medium irrigation project. This project is the first medium irrigation project built on Varaha, which is a tributary of Sarada river.

Several NGOs and other environmentalists had complained to the principal secretary of small, medium and major irrigation department. Letters were sent to principal secretary, department of mines and the previous district collector, but in vain.