Warangal: Villagers on the boil, demand removal of stone crushing unit

Warangal: People of Gajulagattu village in Gudur Mandal of Mahabubabad district, staged a protest, on Wednesday mid-night, demanding removal of the stone crushing unit as it was causing damage to their houses due to blasts undertaken for stone quarrying.

Due to detonation, boulders tumble down, causing damage to cotton crops in the nearby fields also. The villagers staged a demonstration in front of the stone crushing unit and shouted slogans demanding removal of the unit as they live in constant fear. Cracks have appeared in several houses due to detonation and boulders have damaged cotton crops, alleged some of the protesting villagers.

The situation at the protest site became volatile, when villagers had a heated argument with management officials of the stone crushing unit.    The agitating people alleged that they were opposing the establishment of the stone crushing unit close to their village, but the management of the Renuka Stone Crusher established it on the outskirts of Gajulagutta village, a few years ago, despite opposition.

Due to villagers’ opposition, earlier, the stone quarrying was stopped for a few days. But they woke up to a rude shock in the middle of the night, on Wednesday, when they heard large sound as detonation started for extracting stones. Cracks have appeared in at least 25 houses, blasts have caused damage to the road leading up to Nekkonda, boulders along with dust falling on chilli, cotton and corn, were causing damage to crops.

Upon receiving the information, team police officials rushed to the spot and pacified the villagers that their grievances will be put forward before the authorities concerned. On police officials’ assurance, the protest was withdrawn by the villagers.