12 trucks ferrying illegally mined red gravel seized

Kakinada: The revenue authorities of Peddapuram division in East Godavari conducted raids on unauthorised mining of red gravel in assigned lands at Ramesampeta metta village in Peddapuram mandal on Friday night. The revenue authorities headed by Peddapuram tahsildar Padmavati raided the premises on a tip-off and seized 2 JCBs and 12 trucks loaded with red gravel.

It may be mentioned that the District Collector D Muralidhar Reddy along with Joint Collector Dr G Lakshmisha visited the area and planted saplings on Wednesday. In this connection, the Collector warned of stringent action if violations in any form in mining noticed in the area. Saplings were planted by the officials and the illegal mining took place on the next day itself.

According to Peddapuram RDO S Mallibabu, a case has been transferred to East Godavari district Mining department for further action. When contacted East Godavari joint collector Dr G Lakshmisha said that Rs 11 lakh penalties were imposed on the contractors on Saturday. In case of any such activity repeated, the vehicles will be seized besides imposing heavy penalties, JC warned.