Kadur Zonal Forest Conservator Syed Nizamuddin infomed that equipment used for stone quarrying were seized during the raid and the activities are stopped. About 25 people were engaged in stone quarrying in 220 acres of land in Malleshwara village. Out of the 220 acres land, 170.24 acres belong to the Forest Department, he added.
The contracts awarded to 12 contractors to carry out stone quarrying at the spot were expired. However, contractors continued quarrying even after the termination of contract period. Hence, raid was conducted and illegal quarrying was prevented, Nizamuddin said adding that action will be taken against the accused.
Meanwhile, villagers had complained that the water resources in all the nearby borewells were blocked due to the explosions in the quarry. Similarly, many nearby residents have complained that their houses were damaged due to the explosions.
