Has the government’s decision to curb illegal mining itself come under challenge in Panchadarla?
Serious allegations have surfaced that large-scale excavation resumed on Panchadarla Hill using heavy machinery less than 48 hours after the government issued an order declaring the area a ‘No Mining Zone’. Despite protests by locals and the YSRCP, along with a series of reports demanding protection of the sacred Panchadarla Hill, the government issued the GO. However, allegations that mining continued despite the government’s orders have now raised serious questions over the functioning of the official machinery.
Panchadarla Mining Controversy
Government Declares ‘No Mining Zone’… Yet Excavation Allegedly Continues!
Allegations of illegal excavation on Panchadarla Hill, home to the Sri Uma Dharmalingeswara Swamy Divya Kshetram in Panchadarla village of Rambilli mandal in Anakapalli district, have been surfacing for the past two months.
According to the reports, local residents strongly protested against alleged illegal mining by people associated with the ruling coalition. The government reportedly responded after a series of reports on the issue and protests by the YSRCP, including a campaign taken up in Delhi.
As a result, on August 27, the government issued GO 226 declaring Panchadarla Hill a ‘No Mining Zone’.
But this raises an important question: What is the purpose of GO 226, and who is responsible for implementing it on the ground?
The developments being reported from Panchadarla are now demanding clear answers.
GO 226 Issued… Mining Allegedly Resumes Within Two Days
The allegations that mining did not stop even after the government explicitly declared the area a ‘No Mining Zone’ have now triggered widespread concern.
Locals reportedly stated that illegal excavation resumed on Saturday, just two days after the GO was issued, near the area where the relative of local BJP MP CM Ramesh is allegedly carrying out mining activity.
The emergence of visuals showing heavy excavators being used to dig into the hill has further intensified concerns.
This raises a serious question:
Did the government issue the GO on one side while mining machinery continued operating on the other?
If the allegations are true, is this merely a violation of government orders, or does it point towards administrative negligence and alleged political influence? These questions are now being widely discussed among locals.
Allegations That Officials Knew About the Mining But Failed to Act
Locals are reportedly questioning why the authorities have not responded despite heavy machinery allegedly being used openly for excavation.
Residents have reportedly expressed anger, alleging that officials were aware of the developments but did not even visit the location to inspect the situation.
When allegations emerge that excavation is continuing in an area officially declared a ‘No Mining Zone’, the concerned authorities need to immediately inspect the site and establish the facts.
Two Months of Excavation in the Name of ‘Development’?
Another serious allegation mentioned in the reports is that the excavation on Panchadarla Hill was being carried out under the guise of ‘development’ and an ‘industrial park’.
It has been alleged that gravel was excavated for nearly two months, both during the day and at night, without the necessary permissions from the Mining Department.
There are allegations that around 8 lakh to 4 lakh cubic metres of gravel may have been excavated.
If excavation on such a large scale actually took place, questions arise as to how the concerned departments could remain unaware of the activity.
The exact quantity of material excavated, the permissions obtained, and the agencies or individuals involved need to be established through an official investigation.
Threat Allegations Against Those Who Questioned the Mining
There are also allegations that local residents who questioned the mining activities were subjected to threats.
According to the reports, some people were allegedly threatened with being run over by trucks for questioning the mining operations.
Such allegations have raised concerns over whether local residents are being prevented from exercising their right to question activities affecting their surroundings.
If the allegations are found to be true, a situation involving threats to citizens, alleged disregard for government orders and failure of officials to respond would raise serious questions not only about public safety but also about the effectiveness of the administrative system.
YSRCP Protest Led to GO… But Was the Alleged Mining Network Undeterred?
The reports state that the government issued GO 226 following the YSRCP’s campaign and a series of reports highlighting the alleged mining activities on Panchadarla Hill.
However, the allegation that mining activity continued even after the GO was issued has raised another important question.
If the government has officially declared the hill a ‘No Mining Zone’, how could mining machinery allegedly return to the site within just two days?
This leads to the bigger issue: Are authorities unable to enforce the government order, or are government directives allegedly being weakened by political influence?
The government needs to provide clarity on the matter.
Calls for Immediate Action by Collector, Mining and Police Officials
Local residents are reportedly demanding immediate intervention by the district Collector, Revenue Department, Mining Department, Vigilance authorities and Police Department.
Authorities should personally inspect the location and determine:
- Whether mining continued after the area was declared a ‘No Mining Zone’
- Whether the excavation activities had valid permissions
- How much material was actually excavated
- Who was responsible for the excavation
- Whether heavy machinery was deployed after GO 226 was issued
- Whether any government rules or environmental regulations were violated
- Whether threats were made against local residents who questioned the activities
A comprehensive investigation is necessary to establish the facts and fix responsibility, if violations are confirmed.
When Will Action Be Taken Against Those Allegedly Defying the GO?
The key question now is: Has mining on Panchadarla Hill actually stopped, or has the alleged mining network resumed operations despite GO 226?
If the allegations that heavy machinery continued excavation immediately after the government declared Panchadarla Hill a ‘No Mining Zone’ are established, it would amount to a serious challenge to the implementation of the government’s own decision.
Should GO 226 remain only on paper, or should it be implemented on the ground?
This is the moment for the government and the administrative machinery to answer that question.
Whether the people involved have political connections or administrative influence, if illegal mining is established after a proper investigation, strict action should be taken in accordance with the law.
Protecting the sacred Panchadarla Hill and ensuring that government orders are respected require immediate action from the concerned authorities.
