BRS Leader Harish Rao Demands Immediate Action Against Illegal Quarry in Hyderabad
In a strong statement, senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Harish Rao has demanded the immediate shutdown of an alleged illegal quarry operating at Manasa Hills in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter and the recovery of the value of extracted natural resources, along with penalties for violations.
Allegations of Illegal Activities and Land Allotment
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Harish Rao accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to large-scale excavation activities at Manasa Hills. He alleged that heavy machinery is being used day and night without any statutory approvals, leading to significant environmental and resource depletion.
Harish Rao questioned the inaction of officials from multiple departments, including revenue, mines, pollution control board, and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). He highlighted that despite months of excavation and transport of stone and concrete material, no enforcement actions have been taken, raising concerns about selective application of laws.
"Is there one law for ordinary citizens and another for ministers?" he asked, pointing to what he described as a lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of public land.
List of Missing Approvals and Calls for Transparency
Harish Rao listed several mandatory approvals that he claims are absent for the quarry operations. These include:
- Consent for Establishment (CFE) and Consent for Operation (CFO) from the pollution control board
- Environmental clearance
- Mining lease permission from the mines and geology department
- Land conversion and HMDA approvals
- Explosives licence
- Groundwater permissions
- Revenue clearances
Furthermore, he alleged that 17 acres of government land were allotted to a company without open bidding. He insisted that this land should be brought under open and transparent bidding to generate revenue for the state. "If there is nothing to hide, why was transparent bidding not conducted?" he questioned.
Criticism of Enforcement Agencies and Call to Action
Harish Rao criticized enforcement agencies for what he termed selective action. He alleged that while agencies like HYDRAA target poor people's houses, illegal quarries and encroachments by ministers and their associates remain unchecked.
He urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to act without delay to protect public land and natural resources in the interest of Telangana. Harish Rao warned that the BRS would not remain silent on this issue and is prepared to take officials to the site to prove the facts if the government continues to deny the illegal activities.
The BRS leader's demands highlight ongoing concerns about governance and environmental protection in Hyderabad, with calls for greater transparency and enforcement of laws.
