HYDERABAD: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the Pollution Control Board to take action against mining units involved in illegal mining activities at Abdullapurmet mandal in Ranga Reddy district and Pochamapally mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
In its April 17 order, the tribunal directed the authorities “to inspect and find out if any of the units are operating without appropriate approval and consent and take necessary action, if they are in violation”.
In 2021, residents of Abdullapurmet had filed an application complaining that stone crushing units, quarries and hot mix plants were operating without environmental clearance (EC) or consent from the appropriate authorities, which was affecting their livelihood and health.
The NGT had directed a joint committee to visit and inspect the sites. The committee found that there were 31 quarries, 17 stone crusher units and 11 hot mix plants in the two districts. The committee reported that PCB had issued closure orders to one stone crushing unit and nine hot mix plants for not complying with the consent for operation (CFO) conditions and served showcause notices on 29 quarries for not having a valid CFO.
Meanwhile, the agriculture department submitted a report after checking soil and water samples near the crushing unit at Abdullapurmet. It found that the field near the unit had high electrical conductivity and indicated that the high salinity was not suitable for use on soil with restricted damage. The soil was only suitable for salt tolerant crops.
