Surat: Residents of Areth village near Mandvi in Surat have been protesting for the last four days against the stone quarry. Registering their protest, the villagers have kept the market closed for the past 4 days, alleging that cracks are forming in their houses due to the quarry. They also claim that waste from the quarry is impacting their health. Currently, five stone quarries are operational, prompting the villagers to collectively protest in an effort to halt the operations.

The villagers have long been expressing concerns about the stone quarry located in Areth village of Mandvi in Surat, insisting that it should be closed sooner rather than later. Despite the ongoing protests, the quarry remains operational. Observing the villagers’ increasing opposition, the authorities have taken action. A meeting has been convened, with the presence of the provincial officer and a senior police officer. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Mandvi Prant office. Considering the heavy protest, the meeting is being convened under cabinet minister Kunvarji Halapati.

The village committee and government representatives will engage in discussions regarding the quarry. The villagers are hopeful that the authorities will heed their concerns. However, if the quarry issue remains unresolved, there might be potential for a violent movement in the future, as the villagers are determined to address the quarry problem.

A substantial number of police convoys have been deployed in Areth village and at the Mandvi district office. The police are on alert to prevent any untoward incidents, given the intensity of the villagers’ protests. DeshGujarat