Rajapur residents stop OB works in OCP-2 coal mine

Residents of Rajapur in Peddapalli district halted overburden works at an SCCL opencast mine, citing severe dust pollution and health concerns. Officials later intervened and assured that steps would be taken to address the issue

Peddapalli: Residents of Rajapur of Ramagiri mandal prevented overburden (OB) works in Opencast-2 coal mine in the Ramagundam-III area of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on Sunday.

They said that a huge quantity of dust has spread over the village and surrounding areas due to blasting and quarrying being carried out in the project by C-5 Contract Company.

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They said they were facing problems as works were being carried out without taking environmental protection measures. Villagers, especially children and elderly persons, have been exposed to various health problems, particularly respiratory issues. Agricultural crops have also been affected due to the dust.

Agitating people demanded that the authorities stop the works till a permanent solution was found. Besides taking precautions at the time of blasting, water should be sprinkled to settle the dust.

Singareni officials visited the spot and convinced the villagers to withdraw their protest. They assured that they would resolve the problem by bringing the issue to the notice of higher officials.