In Jogulamba Gadwal, a significant issue has emerged concerning illegal digging activities tied to the Greenfield Corridor project along the Akkalkot-Chennai National Highway. Contractors involved in the highway construction are reportedly extracting soil, gravel, and stones without proper permissions. These materials are taken from government lands and hillocks such as Melu Moram, Naparayigutta, and Rayapuram, resulting in severe environmental harm and resource depletion.
Local residents and environmental activists are worried about the damage to natural hillocks and long-term environmental impacts. Complaints have been filed with the Pollution Control Board (PCB), sparking public debate in the region. Mining rules clearly state that extracting resources without permits is illegal and subject to fines. Despite warnings from mining officials, contractors allegedly continued these activities. Some contractors have even taken legal action to halt enforcement.
The mining department has levied fines totaling ₹52 crores on contractors for illegal activities. These penalties address violations like unauthorized mining, excessive blasting, and setting up crusher units without approval.
Significant illegal excavations from 2024 include:
- Kuchinurla, K.T. Doddi Mandal (Survey No. 52): 1.16 lakh cubic meters of soil and 1.55 lakh cubic meters of rock were extracted, valued at ₹3.50 crores.
- Rayapuram, Rayapuram Mandal (Survey No. 83 & 199): 24,592 cubic meters of gravel were excavated. A crusher unit was set up illegally, processing 1.17 lakh metric tons of stone, with 15,294 meters of blasting. Estimated value: ₹8.11 crores.
- Vadddepalli Mandal (Survey No. 377): 1.16 lakh cubic meters of gravel were taken without a license, valued at ₹3.94 crores.
- Vadddepalli – Government Land: Unauthorized mining led to a ₹4.03 crores fine, but payment details remain undisclosed.
A former public official claims contractors have cheated the state out of ₹52 crores in mining charges. He intends to seek justice through the High Court and has filed a complaint with the PCB, raising the issue to a state-level concern.
This situation highlights the clash between development and environmental conservation in Jogulamba Gadwal. Infrastructure growth is crucial, but unchecked resource exploitation can cause lasting damage. Activists and citizens call for strict action to protect the environment and enforce mining laws.
