The prolonged campaign undertaken by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for the protection of the historic Panchadarla Hill in Rambilli mandal of Anakapalli district has reached a significant turning point. Against the backdrop of allegations that mining activities were threatening the region’s environment and spiritual heritage, the state government has officially issued a GO declaring 153 hectares in the Panchadarla Hill area as a ‘No Mining Zone’.
YSRCP leaders and local residents have described the government’s decision as a major victory for the movement to protect Panchadarla Hill.
Panchadarla: A Historic and Spiritual Landmark
Panchadarla, also known locally as ‘Phanigiri’, is regarded as one of the prominent historical and spiritual sites in North Andhra. The region is home to the Sri Uma Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple, which is believed to have a history of around 1,200 years.
The temple is considered an example of Chola architectural style and is associated with several historical and traditional accounts. Local beliefs and references associated with inscriptions state that the Pandavas visited the region and that Dharmaraja installed a Shiva Lingam here.
The name ‘Panchadarla’ is believed to have originated from the five natural water streams that continuously flow from the hill. These perennial streams are considered one of the distinctive features of the sacred site.
Concerns Over Mining Activities
Concerns were raised after gravel mining activities began in the Panchadarla Hill area. Local residents and YSRCP leaders alleged that excavation using heavy machinery and blasting was damaging the natural geological structure of the hill.
They also expressed concerns over possible damage to ancient structures, Buddhist remains and the surroundings of the temple. According to devotees and local residents, mining activities could also affect the natural water streams and lead to water contamination.
The issue subsequently became a major point of public concern, with demands growing for an immediate halt to mining activities and permanent protection for the hill.
Relay Hunger Strikes and Protests
With the support of YSRCP leaders, villagers launched relay hunger strikes demanding the protection of Panchadarla Hill.
Former ministers Gudivada Amarnath, Kurasala Kannababu and Karanam Dharmasri led rallies and protest programmes, putting pressure on the government to intervene.
The protesters demanded that mining operations in the area be stopped completely and that permanent measures be introduced to protect Panchadarla’s environmental and spiritual heritage.
YSRCP Delegation Approaches Centre
As dissatisfaction grew over the state government’s response, a YSRCP delegation travelled to Delhi to raise the issue at the national level.
The delegation, comprising Gudivada Amarnath, Karanam Dharmasri, Tanuja Rani, Gurumurthy, Meda Raghunath Reddy and Golla Babu Rao, met Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and submitted a complaint regarding the mining activities.
The delegation sought an immediate field-level inspection of the Panchadarla Hill area and urged the authorities to take steps to safeguard the historic site.
153 Hectares Declared a ‘No Mining Zone’
Against the backdrop of the sustained campaign and protests, the state government has now issued a Government Order declaring 153 hectares in the Panchadarla Hill area as a ‘No Mining Zone’.
YSRCP leaders say the decision goes beyond merely suspending mining operations temporarily and represents the kind of permanent protection they had been demanding for the historic hill.
The government order has therefore emerged as a significant development in the long-running dispute over mining activities in the area.
A Victory for Environment and Heritage, Say Locals
Local residents believe the protection of Panchadarla Hill should not be viewed merely as a political victory. According to them, the movement represents a broader effort to protect North Andhra’s environment, natural water resources and centuries-old spiritual heritage.
They argue that the sustained participation of local communities, along with political support, ultimately helped bring the issue to the government’s attention.
The Panchadarla movement, they say, once again demonstrates that persistent public mobilisation and continued advocacy can compel governments to reconsider decisions and take steps to protect environmentally and historically significant areas.
