Residents of Belachalavadi near Begur in Gundlupet taluk said that the explosives used for mining activities near the village were not only damaging the houses but were also threatening their lives.
They have urged the deputy commissioner to cancel the mining contract. The villagers claimed that the quarry owners had violated the rules and were mining up to 60-ft depth on survey number 172 and 243 lands. They demanded action against the violators and urged the authorities concerned to inspect the spot.
Officials visit
Krishnaveni, Geologist, District Mines and Geology department, visited the spot on Monday and took stock of the situation. Two tipper lorries, that were used for illegally transporting stones were seized and a fine of Rs 10,000 each was imposed.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Krishnaveni said, “Licences have been issued for four persons for quarrying at Belachalavadi. Out of this, two acres belong to H M Ganesh Prasad, son of District In-charge Minister H S Mahadev Prasad. He had allegedly alienated the land for mining purpose, without taking the permission of the committee headed by the deputy commissioner.”
However, Krishnaveni said, mining was being carried out for the past 30 years. All have taken necessary permission for quarrying and there is no question of illegal activities, she added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Mines and Geology Veerabhadrappa clarified that two tipper lorries belonging to Ravikumar were seized for transporting stones without necessary permission and a fine of Rs 10,000 was levied on each tipper lorry.
“Ravikumar has paid the fine and the lorries have been released. There is no connection between the incident and Minister Mahadev Prasad’s son Ganesh Prasad, as reported in a section of the media,” he said.