Demand for action against illegal quarries in Karkala taluk gains strength

Demand for action against illegal quarries in Karkala taluk gains strength

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Jan 18, 2014: Xavier D’Mello, a member of the Taluk Panchayat has said that RTI query has revealed that only 11 out of the 189 stone quarries functioning in Karkala taluk were legal, while the rest are unauthorised.

Speaking to reporters here on January 17, Friday, he said  there has been no action against the illegal quarries operating across the taluk  and urged the government to intervene and initiate necessary action. He further pointed out that the RTI query has even revealed that the authorised quarries existing at present are in deemed forest area.

The district administration  has failed to  initiate action against  the unauthorised quarries, he alleged. D’Mello also pointed out that stones were being regularly supplied to Navayug Company from the quarries located in deemed forest areas  at  Belman and Sooda villages in Nandalike. He also pointed out that the Mines Department directive to stop quarrying in deemed forest areas have been of no avail.

Even the Karnataka High Court order directing suspension of operation of crushers with effect from July 31, 2013 has not been adhered to.
Udupi block Congress Vice-President Aveline R Louis who was also present, demanded action against illegal quarries.

Sujith Shetty, TP member, Vivekananda Shenoy, Block Congress organizing secretary and Vandana Kuntalpady were also present at the press meet.