Crushing poses threat to Pochera waterfalls
Hundreds of tourists from various parts of the State visiting the Pochera Waterfalls in Boath mandal which is known for its breathtaking natural surroundings are a scared lot these days because of illegal crusher blasts for granite stone in its adjoining area, barely ten km away.
Adilabad: Hundreds of tourists from various parts of the State visiting the Pochera Waterfalls in Boath mandal which is known for its breathtaking natural surroundings are a scared lot these days because of illegal crusher blasts for granite stone in its adjoining area, barely ten km away.
The explosions are resulting in loss of greenery and beautiful sights nearby. Rocks are crashing into the waterfalls. The surrounding area is becoming increasingly dusty.
• Digging for granite has resulted in waterfalls becoming dry
• Explosions resulting in loss of beautiful sights nearby
As if this is not enough, heavy lorry traffic carrying granite on the approach road to the waterfalls is resulting in severe damage to the road. Because of these two factors hardly any tourist is seen nearby.
Also there is no water. This is causing anxiety among tourists like Suresh. He told The Hans India that the government should take steps to restore the waterfalls near Pochera village to its original natural looks, with full flow of water.
A controversy surrounds the blasts, as crusher permissions (in Survey No 95/2 in 1.9 hectares) near a water body should not be given, as per regulations. Location of the crusher should be permitted by a resolution of the Gram Sabha.
There is no such resolution. Besides, Forest department’s permission is also necessary. This has also not been obtained. The blasts are damaging historic places and beautiful locations. Regulations stipulated that the crusher should be located three km away from the waterfalls.
However, Boath Revenue Officer Imran Khan reportedly permitted it indiscriminately in an area visited by hundreds of tourists. Khan has failed to take note of the waterfalls falling within the stipulated regulations.
Kailash, who has been given permission to use the crusher, has not confined the blasts to the permitted area. He has been doing it in an additional three hectares and shifting the granite stones after the blasts. Digging for granites has resulted in the waterfall becoming dry.
Boath MRO Lakhman says action would be taken if there are any complaints against violation of stipulations. Tourists maintain that they are least interested in permission given for blasts. All they want is restoration of the waterfall to full past glory. They want officials to react to the illegal permission given to the crusher.
