Minister Janardhan Reddy Vows to Address Black Limestone Industry's Issues

Kurnool:Roads & buildings and investments minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy pledged his commitment to revitalising the black limestone industry in the Banaganapalle constituency. During a visit to the hunger strike camp at the Bandarlapalli check post in Kolimigundla mandal on Monday, the minister expressed solidarity with workers, mine and factory owners, and vehicle operators who had been protesting for five days. The strike demands the removal of the consideration fee imposed by mining authorities on black limestone workers.

Highlighting the industry's current problems, minister Janardhan Reddy attributed the difficulties to decisions made during the previous government, which included increased royalties and DMF fees. He assured stakeholders that their concerns would be brought to the government's attention and promised comprehensive support to address financial hardships.

The minister criticised the Rayalaseema Minerals Association for not acting promptly when the fee hikes were introduced, leading to the current crisis. He urged mine owners to cooperate with the government and ensure compliance, pointing out issues such as underreporting production to evade royalties.

The minister also recalled the compensation given to farmers for land purchases by cement owners during his tenure, emphasising his commitment to the welfare of the region. Between 2014 and 2019, he claimed, over a crore rupees were allocated for village development in Kolimigundla mandal. Later, the minister attended the Ursu and Gandham Mahotsavam organized by Muslim minorities at the old bus stand in Banaganapalle.