Illegal Quarrying Row: RK Roja Seeks Probe Into Blasting in Cherlopalli

Former minister and YSRCP leader RK Roja has called for immediate action against alleged illegal quarrying and unauthorised blasting in Cherlopalli, an area in the 21st ward of Puttur town in Chittoor district.

Roja said repeated explosions at quarries operating close to agricultural land had left farmers and local residents anxious about their safety. Families that have relied on farming for generations, she said, were now facing the impact of quarrying activity near their fields.

According to the former minister, farmers have complained that rocks are being hurled into nearby areas during blasting operations, while the explosions are causing the ground to tremble. She warned that continued blasting could damage farmlands, crops, borewells and houses, apart from creating a potential threat to human life.

Roja criticised the authorities for what she described as their failure to address repeated complaints from farmers. She alleged that instead of resolving the issue, departments were passing responsibility from one office to another, resulting in delays.

She demanded a detailed inquiry into whether the quarry operators possessed all mandatory permissions and whether blasting was being carried out with the necessary approvals. The government should also verify whether rules prescribed by the environment, mines, revenue and police departments were being followed, she said.

Roja further sought an impartial investigation into allegations that the quarry operators were receiving political backing. She also called for a comprehensive probe into allegations involving Nagari MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash in connection with the quarrying issue and demanded that the findings be placed before the public.

The former minister said it was the government's duty to prevent a possible tragedy rather than act only after an accident occurred. She urged authorities to stop any illegal quarrying activity in Cherlopalli immediately and take strict action against blasting conducted without valid permission.

Warning of further action, Roja said the YSRCP would stand with the affected farmers and fight for them if the government failed to ensure the safety of agricultural lands, crops, borewells, homes and local residents.