TD leaders protest against alleged illegal quartz mining in Nellore district
Tirupati: Telugu Desam (TD) leaders, led by former agriculture minister and party politburo member Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, staged a protest on Sunday at the premises of Rustum Mica Mine Company in Varadapuram village in Podalakur mandal of Nellore district. The protest was aimed at opposing what they claim to be illegal mining of high-value quartz in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Somireddy claimed that he was shocked to discover 40 trucks loaded with quartz excavated by 14 earthmovers at Rustum Mica Mine and the neighbouring Bharat Mica Mine Company on Saturday night. He alleged that these mines, operating without proper permissions, suddenly became operational three months ago, even as the original leaseholders were struggling to renew their licences.
“This is a scam of mammoth proportions," claimed Somireddy, adding that the white stone was being sold illegally at prices ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 65,000 per ton depending on its quality. He claimed that quartz worth Rs 4 crore to Rs 5 crore was being transported illegally every day from Rustum and Bharat Mines over the past month.
According to Somireddy, the two mines currently lack mining licenses. Yet illegal operations persist under the nose of mining and police officials who are maintaining a stoic silence, he alleged. He accused unscrupulous elements of running around 50% of the 100 mines in the combined Nellore district without permission. Even licensed mines, he claimed, were forced to sell their quartz material to the mafia at a significantly lower rate than its actual value.
The TD politburo member estimated the illegal turnover in this district to be over Rs 3,000 crores, alleging that such activities had the blessings of the highest echelons of the state government. He expressed dismay over the apparent silence of the collector and superintendent of police, despite numerous representations and certified Google Earth maps submitted by him related to the illegal mining.
He further criticised the top brass of the state government for not responding to emails sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police regarding the issue. Somireddy alleged that local mining officials and police were complicit, possibly due to bribes, and claimed that temple land and forest land were being blatantly mined.
He alleged that villagers were being silenced by henchmen of ruling party leaders, creating an atmosphere of fear in the village. He vowed to continue protests until action is taken.
