Quarry – Tribal Residents Raise Alarm Over Long-Running Stone Mining Impact
Quarry – Nearly 300 people living in Terapalli village, located in Chintapalli mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, have voiced serious worries about the continued operation of a white stone quarry in their area. The affected population includes members of the Konda Dora and Bagatha tribal communities, who say the quarry’s activities over the past several years have disrupted their daily lives and damaged their surroundings.
Long-standing operations spark community distress
The quarry has reportedly been active for close to a decade. Villagers claim that during this time, frequent blasting and mining activities have gradually worsened living conditions. According to residents, the repeated explosions have caused visible cracks in homes and filled the environment with dust particles, raising concerns about both structural safety and air quality.
A young tribal resident shared that the loud blasts have created fear among children and elderly villagers alike. He explained that the vibrations from explosions not only weaken buildings but also spread dust across agricultural land, affecting crop productivity. Many villagers now associate the quarry’s operations with declining health and reduced livelihood opportunities.
Allegations of missing local consent
Residents have also questioned the process through which the quarry was established. They allege that proper approval from the Gram Sabha, a key requirement in tribal regions, was not obtained before operations began. According to villagers, signatures were collected without conducting a formal meeting or passing an official resolution.
Some villagers admitted that they were not fully aware of the long-term consequences at the time. What initially seemed like a routine administrative process has, in their view, turned into a source of persistent hardship.
Complaints remain unaddressed
Members of the Bagatha tribal community stated that they have submitted several complaints to district authorities, including the district collector. Despite these efforts, they claim there has been little to no visible action taken to resolve their concerns.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of official response, saying that repeated appeals have not resulted in any meaningful intervention. This has added to a growing sense of neglect among the affected population.
Tensions rise over protest and enforcement
Villagers further alleged that law enforcement officials have been visiting the area alongside quarry representatives. According to them, these visits are aimed at persuading residents to withdraw their protests against the mining operations.
Some residents claim they have faced pressure to compromise, rather than receiving support for their grievances. These interactions have reportedly increased tensions in the village, as community members continue to demand recognition of their concerns.
Call for immediate administrative action
Local youth from Terapalli have described their opposition to the quarry as a matter of survival. They emphasize that the issue goes beyond inconvenience, affecting health, safety, and long-term sustainability of their community.
The villagers have urged the district administration to take direct action. Their demands include a personal visit by the district collector, immediate suspension of quarry activities, and the organization of a medical camp to assess the health impact on residents.
They believe that a thorough evaluation of environmental and health conditions is necessary to understand the full extent of the situation and to ensure appropriate measures are taken.