Collector instructs mining dept to look into illegal quarrying at Kirkatwadi, Nandoshi, Sanaswadi & Wanjalwadi

According to residents of the four villages, truckloads of crushed stones, sand and gravel ferried from the adjoining quarries are adding to their woes in the form of breathing problems

With the lives of around 50,000 residents of Kirkatwadi, Nandoshi, Sanaswadi and Wanjalwadi on Sinhagad road having become a hell due to unprecedented pollution, noise, and destruction of agricultural farmland caused by illegal dumpers and trucks carrying crushed stones, sand and gravel from Nandoshi to Kirkatwadi, the district collector has instructed the mining and geology department to urgently look into the matter.

The Haveli tehsildar has been directed to close all illegal quarries. (HT PHOTO)

“We have instructed the mining and geology department to immediately look into the matter and see to it that the citizens get relief from the ongoing problems. Also, I will personally look into the matter and see in what way it can be resolved at the earliest,” district collector Rajesh Deshmukh said.

The citizens’ group from the affected villages have petitioned the district collector, drawing urgent attention towards the illegal quarrying in the area.

“Illegal quarrying is affecting the lives of residents as heavy trucks used for ferrying crushed stones, sand and other materials is taking a toll on the health of senior citizens, women, children, and patients. Area residents are suffering from skin diseases, chest complications and severe breathing issues due to the thick dust and sand falling from these trucks. Authorities should immediately ban illegal stone quarrying and dumper traffic in the area,” stated a petition, filed by citizens on January 2.

According to residents of the four villages, truckloads of crushed stones, sand and gravel ferried from the adjoining quarries are adding to their woes in the form of breathing problems, chest infections, and pollution from dust and smog in the air. Last week, they had even petitioned the chief minister’s office (CMO) seeking immediate stopping of illegal quarrying activities being carried out in the area.

Resident and member of the Kirkatwadi Development Forum, Sandip Nanaware, who owns a shop in the area, said, “Primarily, the heavy trucks enter the main road during school timings wherein they block the school-bound vans and buses. As these vehicles don’t give way to the vans, school children get stuck and reach school late. Doctors have advised that we stay indoors otherwise we will become prone to Cancer due to the crushed sand dust. Citizens cannot walk on the road due to bumper-to-bumper traffic. There is permission for small tempos but dumpers are being deployed for carrying crushed sand from the nearby quarries. If the villagers protest, they are threatened with dire consequences by vested interests connected with the transport and quarrying business.”

Another resident, Yogita Ahir, said, “The dumper traffic starts at around 6 am and continues throughout the day, every day, causing unprecedented pollution and destruction of roads. School children are suffering the most, accidents are taking place and citizens’ safety has gone for a toss.”

Yet another resident, Mahesh Gaikwad, said, “The administration has turned a blind eye to the suffering of the residents. Illegal quarrying and transport of quarry material in heavy trucks and dumpers has made life difficult for the residents. Pollution, road accidents leading to deaths, lung ailments and other diseases have become the norm due to unregulated traffic coming from the quarries. The peace of the area has been disturbed and nobody is being held responsible for these illegal acts.”

Whereas SDO Haveli, Sanjay Asawale, said, “The Haveli tehsildar has been directed to close all illegal quarries. However, I have not received a copy of the citizens’ complaint letter and what action has been taken by the district administration.”

Action taken

A few months ago, the resident deputy collector had ordered stopping of all quarrying activities in Nandoshi and Kirkatwadi following complaints of environmental degradation, spread of diseases, and heavy dumper traffic leading to casualties from locals. Action was taken against four mines for carrying out illegal quarrying despite the lapse of mining tenure and violation of different licensing agreements with the state.