Spurt in granite mining causes concern

‘Lack of regulatory mechanism paves way for illegal mining’. The district has rich deposits of bauxite ore, which has not been explored due to alleged contravention of Supreme Court ruling in Samata case. Besides laterite and granites, the district has low grade iron ore, quartz, white clay and semi-precious stones.

File photo of Granite mining in progress at Chimakurthy in Prakasam district. Photo: Kommuri Srinivas

The significant rise in number of granite mining leases in Medivada forest section of Chodavaram mandal in Visakhapatnam has caused serious concern.

The number of leases has increased to manifold in an estimated area of 100 hectares. Tribals living in 50 hamlets are facing livelihood problem due to damage caused to their agriculture fields on the hilly terrains. Sources told The Hindu that about 150 applications are still pending.

The area is known for its rich flora and fauna. “It is home to several leopards, deer and sambars. Hornbill birds are regular visitors to the area. One can see cycads, an ancient plant which is known for unique features,” said Kandula Srinivas Kumar, a botanist and an NGO activist.

Hornbills are a feast for nature-lovers. They are typified by a long, down-curved bill with very bright colours. Some hornbills have enlarged beaks on the upper mandible.

Public hearing is not required for mining involving small parcels of land. However, lack of regulatory mechanism very often paves the way for illegal mining in the vicinity.

The officials are showing on record the mining sites as un-surveyed poramboke land. Laterite mining leases are being considered in large stretch of land in Sarugudu panchayat in Nathavaram mandal, which is a Scheduled Area. Sixty eight applications are pending in an extent of 12,015 acres here during 2009-13 for mining leases/prospective licences.

The district has rich deposits of bauxite ore, which has not been explored due to alleged contravention of Supreme Court ruling in Samata case. Besides laterite and granites, the district has low grade iron ore, quartz, white clay and semi-precious stones.

“Even in areas where ITDA has given assistance for cashew and other cash crops, the mining officials are showing those areas as un-surveyed poramboke lands so as to allow mining due to apparent reasons. However, we are opposing threat to livelihood of locals and damage being caused to the eco-system,” said G. Srinivas, a green activist, who works for Kovel Foundation.