Granite mines in Visakhapatnam face heat
According to the villagers, the company stopped mining here as they did not find the required stone.
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 departments concerned 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 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.