HYDERABAD: A mega residential-cum-commercial project coming up on a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Gachibowli is in the spotlight after nearby residents and activists complained of rampant illegal mining on its premises and the resultant air pollution causing respiratory illnesses.
Being developed by a well-known construction company, the project is coming up on 30 acres of land in the survey numbers 82, 83 and 84 in Serilingampally. According to locals, the builders are resorting to mining of stones, crushing it and selling concrete to various construction sites since a year.
The officials of mines and geology department who visited the site have issued a notice to the builders to explain whether the mining was being done for internal use or for commercial purpose. "Once we receive the reply, we will visit the site again and collect the exact data. If it is proved that they are mining for commercial purposes, we will take action," said an official from the department of mines.
But the round-the-clock activity has left locals fuming. They have lodged complaints with various government bodies and are now planning to move court. "This
SEZ is surrounded by residential colonies on all sides," said D Srinivas, secretary, village development committee, Serilingampally. "The extensive mining activity has increased air pollution in the area.
Those who stay in the vicinity of the site are complaining of breathing problems and infections. Apart from that, it is a big nuisance as the mining goes on throughout the night," added Srinivas, who is also a resident in the area.
Activists also said that a water body on the site has almost vanished. "A beautiful 1 acre lake named Gasukunta has been completely filled up due to this mining," said C Shobhan, a local activist.
On Wednesday, revenue officials who had been receiving complaints, decided to stay all kinds of activity on the site. "We have written to the department of mines and geology asking for investigation and suitable action. Till then, we will not allow any activity since they do not have a mining license," said B Rajesham, tahsildar, Serilingampally.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com