HYDRAA Demolishes 8 Cement And Stone Crushing Units, 3 Ready Mix Concrete Plants
Earlier, there was a furore during the recent state Assembly session, with the Opposition BRS making an issue out of alleged illegal mining by Raghava Constructions
Hyderabad: HYDRAA demolished eight cement and stone crushing units and three ready mix concrete plants in Gowlidoddy, Vattinagulapally, Gopanpally and Shamshabad’s Kothwalguda areas on Tuesday. HYDRAA stated that they undertook the demolition of the units and plants based on the reports of Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) and the mines and geology department, along with a letter from the Rangareddy district collector.
Authorities alleged that none of the crushing units had the required approvals from the TGPCB or mining authorities. Despite receiving notices and warnings, they said, the operators had continued their activity.
HYDRAA initially in an official press release claimed that the Great India Mining company in Gowlidoddy, Parmesh Singh Stone Crushers or Sri Laxmi Constructions and Prudhvi Stone Crushers in Vattinagulapally, and Raghava Stone Crushers in Kothwalguda partook in the alleged illegal mining. Later, HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath maintained that one of the crusher units belonged to Thirumala Metal Industry and not Raghava Constructions, linked to revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.
Earlier, there was a furore during the recent state Assembly session, with the Opposition BRS making an issue out of alleged illegal mining by Raghava Constructions. The minister had later clarified that Raghava Constructions had only been buying metal from Tirumala Metals.
The demolition operation on Tuesday was conducted in the presence of officials from the TGPCB, mining and revenue departments. In a press statement, HYDRAA said that many of the units had reportedly been functioning for years, allegedly under benami ownership and with the backing of influential groups.
The departments raised concerns about serious environmental damage caused by the illegal mining operations, and pointed out in their complaints that natural hillocks were being cut and crushed without permission. The activity also led to heavy dust pollution, affecting air quality in nearby areas. The units were said to be running day and night, adding to local concerns.
HYDRAA said that it stepped in after the departments, and the Rangareddy district collector, informed the agency of issue and requested support. They also removed unauthorised RMC plants that were operating without valid licences.
While officials said the units did not have permission and were carrying out operations illegally, unit and plant operators said otherwise. Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, Balu, a plant operator in Kothwalguda, said “We have all the permissions and contracts. But HYDRAA officials did not listen to our pleas. They went straight and began knocking down our units.”
Owners and operators raised protests and attempted to stop the demolitions. After severe protests, HYDRAA officials stopped the demolition and gave the other unit operators time until Wednesday evening to clear the equipment.
“I just hired a JCB and a truck to remove all of my units, but still one of my units was brought down. HYDRAA has no jurisdiction for coming here and demolishing our units. I don’t know what I am going to do now”, said Upender Goud, another operator.