Acting on the orders of the Union Government, Khammam District Collector ordered the Ravi Barite Mining company to stop all its mining activity on the lands leased to it in the district.

The company is owned by Mr Ravindranath Reddy, brother-in-law of the late chief minister YSR.

Reports said the District Collector issued orders on Wednesday after the Union Government informed him that the mining leases given to the company were suspended for not submitting the annual returns, violation of rules and for not responding to the show-cause notices issued.

The Collector has also withdrawn all transport permits given to the company with immediate effect, said reports.

The mining leases of Kesavaram quartz mining company owned by Mr B. Lakshmanna of Jayanthipuram and Gummadivelli Mining Company owned by Mr Chenna rao of Vemsuru in Krishna district were also suspended, according to reports. These two companies were also asked not to carry any mining activity on the lands leased out to them. (JUBS)