Kundapur: Illegal Stone Quarrying Poses Danger to 30 Families

By Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network- Kundapur

Kundapur, Dec 2: As many as 30 families are in danger due to the illegal stone quarrying taking place from the past five years in Bagwady Athrady, Vandse Gram Panchayath, here.

The illegal quarry plot with survey number 150/1, consists of one acre land under the Vandse gram panchayat. It is learnt that in this forest region, along the state highway, on the way to Vandse from Hemmady, Illegal quarrying has been carried out on daily basis with the use of illegal explosives. The neighboring houses have been highly affected due to the explosions and are in danger.

The high sound of the explosives is hindering sleep of the neighbors. Haklady gram panchayath president also resides in the locality. The neighboring roads have been completely damaged due to the movement of heavy tractors that carry these stones. It is also learnt that no other vehicles are able to move in this area, due to bad roads, causing several problems during emergencies.

The quarry was started five years ago by Haklady gram panchayat former president and a national political party leader. After a year, the quarry was given for lease to a person of Hunsemakki. The officials and representatives are not ready to provide information as to who is running the quarry at the present.

The gram panchayat and revenue officials were complained about this issue. But the officials who did not take any action seem to have joined hands with them.
As many as 30 to 35 loads of stones have been supplied from this region. It is learnt that huge amount has not yet been paid to the revenue department.

Earlier, the road was developed with the panchayat funds. But now the panchayat is not ready to take responsibility to repair the road and is trying to escape, said Vishwanath, a resident.

Due to continuous explosion, the neighboring houses have been damaged and the water level has also gone down. A massive protest will be carried out if this continues, said Susheela, a local and president of Haklady gram panchayat.

The issue will be investigated soon and necessary steps will be taken, said Prakash, village accountant, Vandse Gram.