Illegal mining of limestone continues

Guntur: There is no let-up in illegal mining in Palnadu region. Locals allege that small gangs continue to plunder the limestone blocks in Piduguralla and Dachepalli areas.
Some of the gangs are also fighting among themselves to gain control over the limestone blocks. When TOI visited the areas, locals were found excavating the limestone and mosaic chips.
In September 2020, two groups of the same community clashed in Narayanapuram of Nadikudi after one of them was murdered.Police imposed section 144 of CrPC to defuse tension as four persons were injured in the fighting over quarrying of limestone.
Gurazala police said Tammisetty Neelakantham (19) of Anjanapuram Street was injured when rivals attacked him. Neelakantham succumbed to injuries in Guntur Government General Hospital. TDP leader and former Gurazala MLA Yarapathaneni Srinivas Rao said illegal mining goes on in the area unabated. tnn