NGT orders stricter oversight of quarries, crushers in Telangana mining zone

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities in Telangana to strengthen oversight of quarrying, stone crushing and hot mix plants operating in the mining zone spanning Bandaraviryal in Ranga Reddy district and Deshmukhi in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, while ordering restoration of the Pulicherla Kunta water body and its tank bund.

Disposing of an application filed by local farmers alleging environmental degradation caused by mining and allied industrial activities, the Southern Zone Bench observed that the grievances were not without basis. It noted that although the mining zone had been notified in 2006, prior to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, the subsequent concentration of quarry leases, stone crushers and hot mix plants had raised significant environmental concerns requiring continuous regulatory supervision.