Clay reserves found in Warangal, Khammam districts

Kaolin, fireclay, bentonite and ball-clay reserves were found on the Warangal-Khammam border in the micro geological surveys conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Geo Data Centre of Visakhapatnam during the past one month.

The micro survey, conducted as part of the periodical topographical, geological and oceanographical surveys, revealed that the Eturnagaram belt in the region has abundant quantities of these natural mineral reserves. The laterite and dolamite reserves found in Mulugu and Chityal areas in the district are likely to pave the way for the emergence of new industries in the belt.

KD Samuel, a senior surveyor of GSI, said the periodical survey conducted in the past six months focused on identifying the mineral resource regions in the contiguous districts--Warangal and Khammam. The periodical survey is conducted once every 25 years.

During the past 40 days, the geological surveys were carried out in Mahabubabad, Dornakal, Kuravi, Maripeda, Guduru and Kothaguda revenue mandal limits. Similarly, surveys were also conducted in the forest belt of Eturnagaram, Mangapet, and Tadwai.

He told Business Standard that major changes both on the topographical side and the geological side were noticed in the region since the 1981 survey.

In Warangal district, the topography underwent several changes in the form of addition of new projects like Sri Ram Sagar Project, Godavari Lift Irrigation scheme, Singareni coal mines and mining of coloured granites and rayon factory. Mining activity for natural resources is likely to extend into new areas like Venkatapur, Bhupalpalli, Govinderaopet, Tadwai and Mangapet mandals in the next few years.

The survey found greater industrialisation in Khammam district compared to Warangal. Only 28 per cent of the 16.02 lakh hectares of land in the district is covered under agriculture and in the remaining 72 per cent, the forest occupies a major chunk.

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Bountiful reserves

Mining activity for natural resources is likely to extend into the new areas like Venkatapur, Bhupalpalli, Govinderaopet, Tadwai and Mangapet mandals in the next few years

The survey found greater industrialisation in Khammam district compared to Warangal

The laterite and dolamite reserves found in Mulugu and Chityal areas in the district are likely to pave the way for the emergence of new industries in the belt