Jagtial Collector warns granite quarry owners, not to affect environment

Jagtial: District Collector Dr A Sharath ordered the owners of the granite quarries to carry on the works as per permission that were granted to them, without affecting the environment. He chaired a meeting with District-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) here at Collectorate conference hall on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, the Collector informed that they have received 18 applications for carrying out granite quarry works, out of which, the committee allowed 15 quarries along with granting permission. The remaining three applications are under observation.

As part of social responsibility, the granite quarry owners must develop the villages that are affected due to quarry works. They must give funds for the development of affected villages, at the rate of Rs one lakh for one hectare, Rs 2 lakh for two hectares and Rs 3 lakhs for more than three hectares of land, the Collector directed the owners.

The granite quarry owners must carry on the works as per the rules and regulations issued to them, without creating problems to the villagers living in the surrounding areas. Stringent action will be taken against the owners if they violate the rules, warned the Collector.

Metpalli Sub-Collector Gautham Patra, Jagtial Rural Development Officer Dr G Narendar, District Forest Officer Narasimha Rao, Additional Director of Mining department Venkat Reddy, Pollution Control Board Executive Engineer Ravi Das were present along with the applicants.