Vigilance officials probing mining irregularities in Srikakulam
Srikakulam: Vigilance and Enforcement officials are keeping a close watch on illegal mining activities in the district in the wake of complaints. The officials have started inquiry into the alleged activities of the mining mafia.
The Vigilance and Enforcement Department received several complaints regarding mining of gravel, clay, granite and Blackstone. The officials are looking into complaints that the mining activities was being carried out in violation of safety rules. There are reports of evasion of payment to District Mineral Fundd (DMF) and royalty on mining.
The Vigilance officials are reportedly inquiring into alleged collusion of officials with those in mining business. Mining of gravel, Blackstone, clay is being carried out in Kanchili, Mandasa, Tekkali, Etcherla, Ponduru, Regidi and other mandals across the district.
In Etcherla mandal, the police registered case against TDP former district president Ch Narayana Murthy alias Babji, his wife and Zilla Parishath former chairperson Ch Dhanalaxmi and their alleged benami B Yerrayya. They allegedly violated mining rules and excavated gravel from other areas at SM Puram under Etchelra mandal which was not covered
as per their lease agreement.
They also dig the gravel for more than 10 meters depth which is in violation of Irrigation and Environment norms. Mining Department officials issued notices to another leaseholder G Sanyasi of Chilakapalem under Etcherla mandal for violating mining rules and dug more quantity than allowed limit.
In Ponduru mandal also several leaseholders excavated stone from quarries by violating rules for selling it after crushing as chips with the alleged support of a TDP former MLA. Now the irregularities are coming to light with vigilance inquiry.
"We are examining all points regarding norms before executing lease agreements with the private persons and imposing penalties on leaseholders for violations" Mines and Geology wing Deputy Director S K V Satyannarayana said.