Telangana High Court Issues Notices on Illegal Sand Mining
The Telangana High Court’s division bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao, issued notices on Monday to various government officials. These included the Principal Secretaries of Mines and Geology, Revenue, Home, and Transport departments, among others. The officials are required to respond within four weeks.
This action came as a response to a public interest litigation (PIL) based on a letter from A Prakash, president of the bar association in Bichukunda. Prakash’s letter to the Chief Justice highlighted rampant illegal sand mining in Bichkunda, particularly in the Khadgam-Shetler suburbs. He accused local police, the Revenue Transport Office (RTO), and other officials of colluding with the sand mining mafia, leading to significant revenue losses for the state.
Prakash requested the State government to install CCTV cameras at key locations to monitor and prevent illegal sand mining. He also emphasized that the illegal activities, often conducted at night, put local residents at risk due to the high frequency of lorries transporting the sand.
The private security teams overseeing the illegal mining have reportedly attacked law enforcement officials attempting to intervene.
Notices Issued on Illegal Granite Mining in Karimnagar District
On the same day, the High Court also issued notices regarding illegal granite mining in Karimnagar district. Government officials, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of Mines, Industries and Commerce departments, and others, were asked to respond within four weeks.
This action was based on a PIL derived from a letter by D Arun Kumar from Karimnagar, dated July 3. Arun Kumar’s letter addressed the severe environmental damage and deteriorating living conditions caused by illegal granite mining in Asifnagar, Baopet, and Kothapally mandals.
He pointed out that high pollution from the quarries has caused irreversible damage to local flora and fauna. The heavy blasting associated with granite mining has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of over 35,000 people in more than 10 villages.
Next Steps
The court has adjourned the hearings in both cases for four weeks, allowing time for the involved parties to file their counter-affidavits.
