Vizag: Mining firm fined Rs 80 crore for violations

VISAKHAPATNAM: The regional vigilance squad of the department of mines and geology, led by assistant director R Pratap Reddy, have raided quarries owned by VRR Associates over the last one week.
During the raids of four quarries (road metal and gravel) of VRR Associates at Krishnapuram in Padmanabham mandal in Visakhapatnam district, the vigilance squad found violations in terms of quantities excavated and misuse of permits.Pratap Reddy said that the squad has conducted a comprehensive survey at four quarries using electronic total station (ETS).
“We have imposed a penalty of Rs 80.94 crore on VRR Associates for indulging in excavation and transportation of minerals of more than approved quantities and for misuse of mine permits,” the assistant director of the vigilance squad said.
He added: “We have also imposed a penalty of Rs 33 crore on VRR Associates for the same violations at quarries located at Seethanagaram village under Anakapalle mandal in Visakhapatnam district.”
“We will continue our raids on a few more quarries of VRR Associates located at Nathavaram in Visakhapatnam district,” Prathap Reddy added.