Mandya: Maintaining that there is no threat to the stability of KRS Dam, stone quarry owners have alleged that attempts are going on to place hurdles for quarrying in Mandya district.

Addressing a press meet here yesterday, Quarry Owners Association General Secretary Nataraj, said that mining is an industry and we are not for or against any political leader. Pointing out that quarrying is going on for decades, he contended that quarrying used to take place even before the construction of KRS Dam. 

Noting that KRS is the lifeline of the people of Mandya, Nataraj said that more than mining, it is stone quarrying that is going on only for local use. Stating that thousands of people are dependent on quarrying for their livelihood, he said that quarries are being run with permit. Asserting that quarrying is being done at a safe distance from river beds, dams, schools,  public buildings etc., he said that the Government can shut down quarries if they are found operating illegally.

Arguing that quarrying and mining is being carried out after obtaining the requisite permission from 13 Government Departments including Forest, Mines & Geology and Revenue, Nataraj said that the quarry owners are duly paying royalty to the Government.

Contending that quarrying is being done outside the 2 km radius of the dam in accordance with Government norms, he said that stone quarry units in Mandya district are only engaged in Megger enabled blasting and not Bore blasting. He also said that the Government can take action as per law if illegal quarrying or mining is going on anywhere in Mandya district.

Pointing out that there are 36 crushers in Mandya district, out of which 23 are C category crushers and the rest 13 D category  crushers, Nataraj urged the Government to take action against those who are conducting mining or quarrying in areas other than permitted areas of land illegally without obtaining Government sanction.

Association office-bearers Ramakrishna, Ravi Bojegowda, Ashwin Gowda, Nrupatunga, Ravindra, Sunil Kumar, Ashok and others were present at the press meet.