YSRCP Continues Protest Against Alleged Illegal Mining
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has continued its campaign against alleged illegal gravel mining activities in the revenue lands of Panchadarla Konda in Rambilli Mandal of Anakapalli district. YSRCP leaders have already staged several protests over the issue.
Although Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan reportedly ordered an inquiry following the protests, YSRCP leaders allege that the investigation has turned into a mere formality. They claim that efforts are being made to hold only lower-level officials responsible while allowing those allegedly behind the large-scale mining operations to escape accountability.
Alleged Damage to Temples and Historical Sites
YSRCP leaders alleged that mining activities at Panchadarla Konda are causing damage to ancient temples, natural water sources and historical sites in the region.
They demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged corruption behind the illegal excavation activities. According to the party leaders, the scale of the alleged irregularities warrants a detailed probe rather than action limited to field-level officials.
YSRCP Leaders Meet Union Minister Kishan Reddy
Against this backdrop, a delegation of YSRCP leaders met Union Minister for Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Tuesday. The delegation included Gudivada Amarnath, Karanam Dharmasri, Tanuja Rani, Gurumurthy, Meda Raghunath Reddy and Golla Babu Rao.
The leaders urged the Union Minister to take immediate steps to stop the alleged illegal mining activities at Panchadarla. They also requested that the area be declared a Mining-Free Heritage Zone in view of its historical and cultural significance.
Demand for Immediate Field Inspection
The YSRCP delegation urged the mining authorities to conduct an immediate field inspection of the gravel quarrying activities at Panchadarla.
They sought verification of quarry leases, approved boundaries, sanctioned mining plans, permitted excavation depths and the quantities of gravel allowed to be extracted.
The leaders also called for a joint survey based on revenue records, cadastral data and GPS/GIS records to determine whether excavation had taken place beyond the boundaries permitted under the quarry leases.
Action Sought Over Illegal Quarrying and Blasting
The YSRCP leaders demanded strict legal action if unauthorized quarrying or blasting activities are found to have taken place.
They also sought an examination of the quantity of gravel excavated and details of its transportation to determine whether there had been excess excavation or illegal transportation of mineral material.
Scientific Assessment Near Protected Heritage Sites
The delegation further requested a scientific assessment of the impact allegedly caused by blasting in and around the ASI-protected Buddhist remains and the Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple.
The YSRCP leaders maintained that the heritage and religious significance of Panchadarla Konda makes it essential to ensure that mining activities do not cause further damage to protected archaeological and historical sites.
Demand for Comprehensive Investigation
The YSRCP has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal mining, including the validity of quarry leases, excavation limits, transportation records, blasting activities and the environmental and heritage impact.
The party leaders said immediate corrective measures are necessary to protect Panchadarla Konda’s historical, religious and environmental significance and to ensure accountability for any violations found during the investigation.
