BRS questions HYDRAA’s delayed action against illegal mining units in Hyderabad

BRS leaders accused the Congress government in Telangana of shielding illegal mining operations and delaying action against stone crushers. They alleged the involvement of Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, demanded his removal, and sought a CBI probe into irregularities.

Hyderabad: The BRS leaders on Tuesday accused the Congress government of shielding illegal mining operations and misuse of the State machinery for the benefit of certain Congress leaders in the government.

They questioned the delayed action by HYDRAA against the stone crushers in Hyderabad, repeated complaints and protests by the party over the past two months.

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Addressing a press meet at Telangana Bhavan, BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan said the demolition of six illegal crushing units by HYDRAA raised more questions than answers. He stated that the agency acted nearly two months after the BRS first exposed illegal mining activities in Manasa Hills, resulting in losses worth Rs 500 crore to the government and also severe environmental damage.

Targeting the Revanth Reddy government, the BRS MLC alleged the involvement of Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy in illegal mining activities and demanded his immediate removal from the State Cabinet. Referring to earlier allegations raised by BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao in the Assembly, he demanded to know why authorities remained inactive for 60 days despite evidence being presented.

He demanded a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities and sought action against officials who allegedly failed to act despite repeated complaints. He questioned the alleged attempts to dilute evidence and protect those involved.

Sravan also raised serious questions on inconsistencies in HYDRAA’s statements regarding the demolition of illegal stone crushers. He said an initial statement named Raghava Constructions belonging to Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s family, and was later revised attributing ownership to another firm. He asked whether officials had acted under pressure and sought an explanation from HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath.

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar stated that illegal mining units like Bhagyalakshmi Minerals were operating without valid documentation and even receiving power supply in violation of rules. He questioned how such clear violations went unchecked. He demanded immediate seizure of the unit and action against officials involved.

He criticised the government over law and order, citing a recent robbery in Karimnagar, and accused authorities of focusing on political cases instead of governance. He demanded strict action against officials and those allegedly involved, warning that failure to act would deepen public distrust.