Granite quarry in Cheemakurthy mandal in Prakasam district
Cheemakurthy region in Prakasam district is becoming increasingly polluted due to waste generated by the numerous granite polishing units in Marturu, Gundlapalli, Budavada and Kanigiri areas.
Without a designated dumping yard, around 90 per cent of the liquid waste generated by the polishing industries is being dumped along roadsides, canals and streams. In addition, the fine dust released during granite polishing is polluting the air, causing respiratory ailments among locals.
Cheemakurthy region is renowned for its black galaxy granite, also called star galaxy or gold star granite. It is world famous and prized for its durability and strength.
Granite quarrying began in the area during 1987. More than 10 million cubic metres of the material has been sold globally. While quarries and polishing units are providing significant employment opportunities, they are releasing pollutants, which have been plaguing the region for over two decades due to a lack of stringent control measures.
Currently, around 1,050 out of 1,500 polishing industries in the region are operational. Water is used in the polishing process, which mixes with stone powder, creating liquid waste. This waste, once dried, turns into a fine powder. It becomes airborne with wind or vehicle movement, severely impacting air quality.
People in the area suffer from respiratory issues, including cough due to prolonged exposure to this dust.
The solution lies in establishing a proper dumping yard. A 25-acre site near a disused gravel quarry in Ramateertham village, located three kilometres from the Kurnool-Ongole road, has been identified as a potential location. Quarry owners have suggested combining nearby land to create a comprehensive dumping yard.
Former district collector Dinesh Kumar had previously instructed revenue officials to explore the possibility of setting up the dumping yard. The current joint collector R. Gopalakrishna is pursuing the matter.
Officials recently met granite polishing industry owners to assess the scale of the waste. The extent of land for the dumping yard will be finalised following this assessment.
A meeting is expected to be held soon for finalising the location and extent of land required for the dumping yard, sources said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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