Illegal mining, transport continue unchecked around Hyderabad ORR
HYDERABAD: Despite government efforts to curb illegal mining transport, violations continue around the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Trucks are ferrying gravel and sand without paying royalty, carrying overloads, and operating beyond permitted hours.
Violations persist around ORR
The mining department formed a special task force of 12 officers seven of them women to check illegal transport, but drivers often ignore them as they lack uniforms. Officials said truckers use “pilot vehicles” to alert others about inspection points, allowing them to divert before being caught.
The vigilance teams conduct joint checks with the police, but these occur barely once a month. Many truck owners reportedly hire drivers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and use duplicate number plates to conceal illegal loads.
Illegal movement on key routes
Lorries continue to move 24×7 through Suddapalli Crossroads, Thatti Annaram and Nagole in violation of norms, carrying excess loads of gravel and ready-mix concrete. Locals allege that officials from mining, transport and police departments are ignoring violations, sometimes for monetary favours.
Illegal transport is reported along stretches near Chevella, Sangareddy, Medchal, Shamirpet, Abdullapurmet and Ghatkesar. Several crushers have mushroomed in Ranga Reddy district to meet the high demand for gravel, leading to accidents caused by overloaded tippers. Gravel from Ranga Reddy is also being supplied to Vikarabad district.
Crushers operating in violation of rules
No crusher units are allowed within 5 km on either side of ORR or in the GO 111 zone covering Himayatsagar and Gandipet reservoirs. Yet, many operate illegally, particularly to serve real-estate projects in Ranga Reddy and Greater Hyderabad areas.
Across Telangana including Karimnagar, Yadadri, Warangal and Khammam illegal mining and transport are rampant. Nearly half the vehicles are reportedly operating without valid permits, and others carry 10–12 tonnes more than allowed, causing heavy revenue loss to the government.
The government allows mining and crushing only for projects or contractors holding valid permissions, but several operators misuse permits issued in the names of construction firms to run unauthorised businesses.
A recent survey by teams from the mining and Pollution Control Board found around 200 crushers operating illegally. Officials have submitted a report to the government, recommending strict action against violators.
