Granite quarrying operations in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district and near Telangana's Pandavulagutta geo heritage site are under scrutiny for generating significant dust pollution. Authorities have flagged particulate matter (PM10) levels exceeding permissible limits at multiple quarry sites. This environmental fallout comes as mining activities persist year-round, impacting communities and natural landmarks.
THREE GRANITE QUARRIES NEAR TELANGANA'S PANDAVULAGUTTA GEO HERITAGE SITE FOUND TO BE VIOLATING DUST POLLUTION NORMS. The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) recently inspected three units in Bommanapally village, operating on government land: Sushmitha Granites, Sree Sakthi Ganapathi Rocks, and Mathru Sri Granites. Air quality monitoring conducted in July revealed PM10 levels at 102 µg/m³, 108 µg/m³, and 105 µg/m³ respectively, surpassing the regulatory limit of 100 µg/m³. Consequently, these operators have been issued notices for exceeding stipulated pollution thresholds.
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CHITTOOR DISTRICT FACES CONTINUOUS DUST CONCERNS
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, villages such as Kuppam, Bangarupalem, and Palamaner are experiencing persistent granite mining. Reports suggest a lack of distinction between legal and illegal mining activities, with operations occurring throughout the year. This widespread extraction, known for yielding fine granite varieties, is contributing to an ongoing dust issue.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The accumulation of dust from quarrying activities presents a serious environmental challenge. Research highlights the cumulative effect of quarry dust on the respiratory health of stone quarry workers, indicating potential health risks for those in and around these operations. Furthermore, wastewater laden with mineral sludge and airborne granite dust are identified as significant byproducts of granite processing.
"The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board is responsible for monitoring environmental quality and enforcing regulations related to pollution, including dust from quarrying activities."
TECHNOLOGICAL AND REGULATORY RESPONSES
Efforts to mitigate dust pollution are being explored, with studies examining the effectiveness of various control measures. These include air curtain dust control technology, air volume optimization, and the use of biological dust suppressants. However, the practical implementation and consistent application of such strategies appear to be a critical juncture, especially as pollution levels continue to be flagged. The focus remains on developing and enforcing measures to address both wastewater and airborne dust challenges inherent in granite processing.
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BACKGROUND
Granite quarrying is a significant industrial activity in several regions of India. The extracted granite is prized for its aesthetic qualities and durability, making it a valuable commodity for construction and decorative purposes. However, the processes involved, from extraction to cutting and polishing, inherently generate substantial amounts of fine particulate matter, commonly known as dust. This dust can have detrimental effects on air quality, leading to respiratory ailments for workers and nearby communities. It also contributes to environmental degradation, with contaminated wastewater posing risks to local water bodies. Regulatory bodies are tasked with overseeing these operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards, a task that appears to be a constant challenge given the widespread nature of the industry and the persistent dust issues.
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