Activists take stand against illegal mining at Arehalla

Shivamogga: The representatives of the Arehalla Parisara Rakshana Vedike presented a memorandum to the deputy commissioner complaining about the uncontrolled illegal mining at the Arehalla in Thirthahalli Taluk here on July 13. 

Conversing with media at the DC office here, President of the Organization L K Muralidhar said that Arehalla is a noteworthy tributary of Sharavati River in Theerthahalli. The territory around the river is surrounded by thick forest. The water from the river is utilized by the villages for drinking and irrigation purposes. 

Muralidhar asserted that a man in the territory had illegally infringed upon the government land and began illegal stone quarry.

Further, he stated, “Repeated complaints to the taluk level officials have not borne fruit. So we have moved toward the district administration to make stern move.” 

The activists likewise requested the authorities to stop the illegal stone quarry and safeguard the land in the Western Ghat. They also warned to stage protest in front of the grama panchayat office if no action will be taken.