VELPULA PARMESHWAR RAO Vs. DISTRICT COLLESTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN the recent past, exploitation of different kinds of minerals in the State, has steeply increased. Sand, which is classified as minor, mineral, has become a source of lucrative and flourishing business. Since the quarrying of sand does not require any technical expertise, or much investment on machinery or expenditure, in excavations, many individuals and Societies are after it. The indiscriminate removal of sand would have its impact upon the ground water levels of the surrounding area. The public-spirited citizens and agencies have initiated various steps and in some cases, approached this Court also, for regulatory measures. In certain cases, directions were issued, to protect the ground water levels, wherever the sand quarries are being operated.

(2.) INSTANCES are not lacking, where the business rivals are also wearing the mantle of protectors of public interest, and in many cases, it is becoming difficult to differentiate between the genuine and fake.

(3.) THE A. P. Minor Mineral concession Rules, (for short 'the Rules')were amended, from time to time, prescribing the procedure for granting leases, to quarry sand. Upto sometime, the District Level committees were conferred with powers to grant leases. At present, the Department of Mines and Geology is the agency, to grant such leases. The Assistant Director of mines and Geology, Nandigama, Krishna district, issued tender notice dated 7. 3. 2008, inviting tenders for 9 Reaches on the Krishna river, within the limits of various Gram panchayats.