By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sep 18, 2012: The alleged existence of a mafia of cement firms trying to push their way ahead in obtaining licenses to mine laterite, available in thousands of acres in Sarugudu panchayat, Nathavaram mandal in Visakhapatnam, is now a serious issue of concern.Reserves of laterite, which are also used in making cement and bricks, are said to be available in abundance in the notified scheduled tribal panchayat, Sarugudu, part of Nagulakonda hills and home to many streams.
Around 44 mining lease licenses were applied for in the last couple of years in the villages surrounding Sarugudu, covering a cumulative area of 10,815 acres. While the state mining department granted a 14-year lease to a person named J. Lakshman Rao to mine laterite in 121 hectares in 2010, violating stipulated norms, the other pending licences are also at the verge of being granted.
Despite stiff opposition from locals, the pollution control board held a public hearing to give Mr Rao the go-ahead to mine laterite in the same panchayat in November last, in violation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and forest and mining laws.
The project proponent has to take consent from the Tribal Gram Sabha and the Tribal Advisory Council of the state, as required by PESA. The proposed mining activity also violates the SC’s Samata judgment of 1997 that says revenue land, forest land and tribal land in scheduled areas cannot be sold or leased out to non-tribals and that mining activity should be taken up either by the government or a society formed by tribals.
“If all the 44 licences are granted, violating the norms and Tribal and Forest Acts, Vizag will turn into another mini Bellary, where illegal mining took place, posing a threat to the environment,” said G.
Srinivas of Samata, an NGO working for tribals’ rights.
Around 44 mining lease licenses were applied for in the last couple of years in the villages surrounding Sarugudu, covering a cumulative area of 10,815 acres. While the state mining department granted a 14-year lease to a person named J. Lakshman Rao to mine laterite in 121 hectares in 2010, violating stipulated norms, the other pending licences are also at the verge of being granted.
Despite stiff opposition from locals, the pollution control board held a public hearing to give Mr Rao the go-ahead to mine laterite in the same panchayat in November last, in violation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and forest and mining laws.
The project proponent has to take consent from the Tribal Gram Sabha and the Tribal Advisory Council of the state, as required by PESA. The proposed mining activity also violates the SC’s Samata judgment of 1997 that says revenue land, forest land and tribal land in scheduled areas cannot be sold or leased out to non-tribals and that mining activity should be taken up either by the government or a society formed by tribals.
“If all the 44 licences are granted, violating the norms and Tribal and Forest Acts, Vizag will turn into another mini Bellary, where illegal mining took place, posing a threat to the environment,” said G.
Srinivas of Samata, an NGO working for tribals’ rights.
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