Villagers stage protest in Davangere seeking an end to illegal stone quarrying

Residents of Arundi village protest illegal stone quarrying, demanding immediate action to stop environmental damage and health hazards.

Stating that illegal quarrying of stone is under way at Arundi village in Honnali taluk of Davangere district and demanding a permanent stop to it, residents of Arundi village staged a protest in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Davangere on Wednesday.

The residents of the village were joined in their protest by State president of Swabhimani Balaga G.B. Vinay Kumar and they together submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Gangadhar Swamy and officials of the Mines and Geology Department demanding a permanent stop to illegal quarrying in the region.

The protestors said that although they had complained against illegal stone quarrying in the region, no action has been taken so far.

They said that because of the stone quarrying the residents are facing several problems, including their houses developing cracks, the watertable depleting and air pollution affecting them.

Animal husbandry has been affected because of illegal quarrying, they said.

They urged the Deputy Commissioner and other officials to immediately stop the quarrying in the interest of the people and the village.

Addressing the protestors, Mr. Vinay Kumar said that it is a matter of concern that elected representatives have turned a blind eye towards the problems being faced by the residents. The officials should put a complete stop to illegal quarrying immediately, he demanded.