Sunil Haleangady

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: Officials of mines and geology department once again raided illegal quarries being operated in Arasule Padavu near Yekkar within Bajpe police station limits on Tuesday June 2. The raiding team comprised of deputy director, Ramappa, and another official, Nagendrappa.

Till now, these quarries have been raided for about six times, and over ten lac rupees have been levied as fine. Still, these quarries begin to function within a couple of days after the raids. There is about a thousand acres of government land in Arasulepadavu. Laterite stone quarries have been operational in both government and private land here in violation of norms. During the operation on Tuesday, five trucks loaded with stones, six cutting machines, and some other equipment were seized from the spot.

In the past, several locals had complained to the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district about the existence of illegal quarries. Under instructions from the district deputy commissioner, a team led by tahsildar had inspected the spot. Even though the people then told the tahsildar that the quarry operators had dug up PWD road and transformed it into a quarry, nothing was done in the matter, it is gathered.

Although raids have happened a number of times, the quarries continue to function without fear. The issue had been raised at the general session of the zilla panchayat too. It is being claimed that the quarries here have the support and backing of a minister.