Last Updated: 28.08.24

Back in 2016, when BEAG was making site visits with BCF to the rocky plateaus to formulate its conservation management plan, BEAG noticed unauthorized quarrying being carried out on the Sada Vaghapur plateau, height 1,000 metres. The quarrying was being done on private land in Dhadamwadi village, Patan Taluka, near the Mauli temple. Locals informed BEAG that that the quarrying had started two years ago.

laterite quarrying sadawagapur Picture Credits: BEAG ARCHIVE

Water tank within the quarried area Picture Credits: BEAG ARCHIVE

BEAG filed a formal complaint with the Satara Collector, requesting action against the violators.

Due to BEAG’s persistent follow-up, a show cause notice under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, section 48 (7), was issued to the violators on April 7, 2017, asking why they should not be fined for their illegal actions.

After conducting a hearing, the Patan Tahsildhar passed an order fining the violators Rs. 31,904,800. The order also noted that the violators had already paid a fine of Rs. 55,000 two years earlier, on October 14, 2015, for unauthorized quarrying.

BEAG continues to be vigilant in Satara and hopes that the protection accorded to the rocky plateaus by the status of Conservation Zone saves these ecologically fragile sites.