Collector warns of stringent steps to curb irregular mining

Kakinada: East Godavari Collector D Muralidhar Reddy warned of stringent action on irregular mining activities in the district.

Participating in plantation programme at Ramesampeta mining areas in Peddapuram mandal in the district on Thursday, the Collector said that some complaints were received in the district on irregular mining, including exceeding mining permitted areas affecting the interests of SC/ST beneficiaries in assigned lands.

This will not be allowed to continue in the district, the Collector warned. If any mining agency violates the permissions given in such cases in assigned lands, action would be initiated on behalf of the beneficiaries under SC/ST Atrocities Act, the Collector warned.

The Collector also cautioned the mining department to act firm on implementation of rules even in case of government lands. With regard to assigned lands at Ramesampeta, he observed that in this village out of 823 acres as per survey no 19, 534, beneficiaries were assigned 717 acres of land in a span of 12 years between 1983-95

He said that it was decided to collect EMD from the agencies as per the value of the land which will be returned after fulfilling the conditions. The collector cautioned the agencies to opt their business properly without affecting the beneficiaries' interests.

He also said that cashew and mango plantation would be encouraged at Ramaesampeta by providing necessary support from SC Corporation and Horticulture department. Later the Collector along with Joint Collector Dr G Lakshmisha participated in plantation programme. Large number of students from Aditya Engineering College and beneficiaries participated in the programme.