BENGALURU, CHIKKABALLAPUR, KOLAR: Quarries and stone crusher units across state have shut operations from Friday stone quarry, in protest against the government’s decision to collect double royalty — from contractors and quarry owners. Owners of quarries and stone crushes units have raised objection to this and are demanding to stop royalty collection twice.
Due to the bandh, M-sand, jelly stone supply has stopped and the heat will be felt on the construction sector. The owners have warned of intensifying their agitation if government does not fulfill their demand.
The quarry owners claim that the government is collecting royalty twice for the same stone product. Royalty is deducted for mining products in various government works including Public Works, Water Resources. Along with that, royalty is also being collected separately from quarry and crusher units, the owners they have alleged. Due to double royalty for the same product, the financial burden on the industry is increasing, the owners argue.
As supply of stone products including jelly and M-sand from quarry-crushers has stopped, there is worry about shortage of construction materials for house, apartment, building and road works. Already, at many places movement of lorries and loading has been stopped. If the strike continues, the possibility of its effect on construction works could increase further.
The quarry-crusher unit owners demand is that government should hold talks about their demands and take appropriate decision. They have given a warning to continue their strike till their demand is fulfilled.
