Upa Lokayukta to file suo motu case against stone quarries in Davangere

Upa Lokayukta B. Veerappa during his visit to a stone quarrying site in Davangere district in Karnataka on April 24, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Upa Lokayukta B. Veerappa has said that a suo motu case will be registered by the Karnataka Lokayukta to investigate stone quarrying in Davangere district as there is a suspicion that the commercial activity is not being carried out legally.

The Upa Lokayukta made the statement after a surprise visit to stone quarrying sites adjoining the Hire Togaleri and Panjenahalli forest areas near Kurki and Hebbal in Davangere taluk on April 24.

Justice B. Veerappa said that while quarrying was being carried near Kurki on ‘patta’ land, buffer zone had not been left and quarrying was being done in excess of the permitted area.

“Encroachment is visible. Deep quarrying without maintaining a buffer zone will result in landslips in the adjoining areas. It will cause irreparable damage to nature. Officials should regularly check whether quarrying is being done as per the permit,” he said.

Pointing out that deep stone quarrying had been done in over 100 sites at Hire Togaleri, the Upa Lokayukta sought to know from the officials how the sites could be filled up if quarrying was so deep.

Referring to the blasting being done at the stone quarries, he sought to know whether information had been gathered regarding any damage to houses in the village. He sought to know who would be responsible for any damage caused due to quarrying being done completely through blasting, and directed the officials to do a thorough check.

He clarified that there would be no problem if quarrying was done legally as per permit conditions. But if violations occur, then strict action would be taken, he said and directed officials to cancel the permit in case of violations.

At Panjenahalli, the Upa Lokayukta found that no restoration work had been done, and directed the officials to get the land restored by the proprietor of the stone quarry.

The officials informed the Upa Lokayukta that stone quarrying permits had been given at 128 locations in the district on a total area of 270.12 acres. Out of the 75 permits given on ‘patta’ lands, 21 had become defunct, and only 54 were active. Out of the 53 permits given on government land, only 32 were active, they said.

The Upa Lokayukta was accompanied by senior district officials during the visit.