An investigation by a senior police officer in the district has revealed that incessant, and allegedly disorderly, stone quarrying activities in the vicinity of Pandavapura are posing a great threat to the safety of Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS).
The investigation, conducted by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Srirangapatna sub-division), Vishwanath, has emphasised yet again the need for banning or controlling illegal stone quarrying activities, keeping in mind the safety of the reservoir, which is the lifeline of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and those living downstream along the course of the Cauvery. The reservoir, constructed near Srirangapatna, is the major drinking water source of Bengaluru.
Several stone quarrying units have been indulging in illegal quarrying activities or have been operating without licence in the vicinity of Chinakurali, Baby Betta Kavalu, Honaganahalli, Bastipura, Beechanakuppe, Avverahalli, and Bannangadi. The villages are within a radius of 4-7 km of the reservoir, according to Mr. Vishwanath’s report submitted to the then Superintendent of Police, G. Radhika, in July.
Mr. Vishwanth has also stated in the report that instructions to prevent illegal stone quarrying activities were issued to the police stations concerned as unscientific blasting has been damaging the walls of houses in the villages.
The investigation was conducted following an application from Mandya-based RTI activist K.R. Ravindra. The Criminal Investigation Department is already probing cases pertaining to illegal stone quarrying in and around Pandavapura.
Moreover, the district administration has recommended a blanket ban on stone quarrying in 5-km radius of the reservoir, sources told The Hindu . The government is yet to approve and implement the recommendations, they added.
