Idar: The huge granite rock formations that have been the most eye – catching feature of North Gujarat town Idar are threatened due to merciless quarrying permitted by the government. For last few months, locals are agitating against this. The locals are also observing strike today over this issue.

One of these mining sites permitted by the State government is Idariyo Gadh, which locals want to save against mining.In the 1990s famous film-star Amitabh Bachchan had come here for the first time to shoot one of his commercial videos, Kabhi Kabhi.

There are many marriage songs in which Idariyo Gadh finds place as an object that is wished to be won. It is also woven in Gujarati language as synonymous of a significant victory. Two of the most eminent Gujarati literary figures, Umashankar Joshi and Pannalal Patel, have a close affiliation with the place. Locals believe the government should not allow mining activity in the region because of its historical and cultural importance.

Various reports have revealed that the government has allotted lease of Idariyo Gadh to 17 lease holders. In just last three years total 31,000 mt mining has been completed at Idariyo Gadh which has contributed just Rs 42 lakh revenue to the State government. Some of the lease holder are Century granite, Lord minerals, Idar stone, Himalaya granite, Rosy mineral, Tirtha industries, Vijaysinh Kumpavat, Ramavtar Bajaj, Ratnav Devendrasinh, NBR mines, Murli stone, Tolaramji Bhavruramji, Om granite and Sai stone.

Locals who are concerned about heritage and culture of their town have marched in a rally in recent past. In response to representations made before the government, the Chief Minister had directed district collector to issue notices to 14 lease holder, thanks to which the mining operation has been halted for now. The government has stopped issuing further leases, but final decision on existing leases is pending.

DeshGujarat