Bengaluru, Sep 1 : Farmers at Tailagere village in Chikkaballapur district are up in arms, protesting against illegal quarrying taking place in the region.
They have also written letters to President Ramnath Kovind and Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, after their grievances fell on deaf ears of state administration.
The farmers have sought the intervention of Kovind and Gehlot to stop illegal quarrying in the region.
They also alleged that the recent landslide at Nandi Hills, a popular destination for visitors, was triggered by illegal quarrying in the area.
According to them, illegal quarrying has been taking place at 100 places near the Nandi Hills unabated for the last two decades.
Many construction activities are going on in the name of promoting eco-tourism, which is taking a toll on the hills nearby.
Several trees also have been cut, resulting in soil erosion, farmers complained.
Blasts at the illegal quarries also have wreaked havoc on the villagers and their crops and animals.
“The billowing dust due to the blasts at illegal quarries causes respiratory problems for villagers, but also their domestic animals,” the farmers said.
Taking cognisance of the illegal quarrying, Mines and Geology Minister Halappa B Achar said he would personally visit the place on Sunday and assured strict action against illegal quarry owners.
For now, Achar has asked mines and geology officials to visit the place and get details on the quarrying taking place there.
“I have taken cognisance of the quarrying taking place in the area. I have directed my director (mines and geology) to send some officers to the spot and collect details on the issue,” he said.
“If the government finds any illegal quarrying in the area, it will take stringent action against the violators,” Achar added.(UNI)