MP forest dept takes over Gadi Hill to check illegal quarrying

The picturesque Gadi Hill, which fell prey to illegal quarrying in the last decade, is inching closer to its pristine form, thanks to Indore forest department officials who are replanting trees there by taking possession of the hill.

The picturesque Gadi Hill, which fell prey to illegal quarrying in the last decade, is inching closer to its pristine form, thanks to Indore forest department officials who are replanting trees there by taking possession of the hill.

Mine operators have destroyed the picturesque Gadi Hill by excavating minerals and materials for commercial purposes.(HT file photo)

The hill is situated on the outskirts of village Gadi, approximately 35 kilometres from Indore.

Mine operators there have violated norms by availing temporary permits for levelling the land or removing minerals or materials from the site, after which they have used the site for excavating minerals and materials for commercial purposes.

Talking to Hindustan Times, RN Saxena, sub-divisional officer (Forest) said, “We took the possession of the hill in June this year. A part of the hill was damaged due to quarrying. Since then, we have planted around 35,000 trees here, with most of them being fruit-bearing trees such as oranges, hybrid Carissa carandas (karonda), jack fruit, guava, pomegranate and mulberry (shahtut).”

Besides, saplings of neem, banyan, peepal and teak have also been planted there. Officials have erected fences across an area of 35 hetares around the hill to check miners’ entry without the department’s permission.

“Recently, we took the same steps for Machal hill near Betma. We feel that it is our responsibility to stop such activities that severely damage the environment,” said Saxena.