Uranium Mining in Kurnool District: Locals are preparing to resist uranium mining in Kurnool district. People from 15 villages in Devanakonda Mandal gathered at the Chennakesava Swamy temple in the forest area of Kappatralla. Residents from nearby villages expressed concerns over the central government granting permission for 68 boreholes in the protected Kappatralla forest for uranium mining. They lamented that such mining would bring harm in many ways and demanded that the uranium mining permits be canceled, warning that they would launch a movement if their demands were not met.
During the gathering, a resolution was made to form a committee to address any government decisions related to uranium mining. It was decided to launch a large-scale movement, cutting across political lines, under the committee’s leadership. Local leaders called for meeting with government officials, social activists, and legal advisors to strategize the movement according to their guidance. Following this, villagers held a protest at the Kappatralla bus stop, demanding the cancellation of uranium mining activities. Due to the protest, traffic came to a standstill on the Kurnool-Bellary road.
Proposals for Bore Wells: In the Adoni Range, Pattikonda Section, the Kappatralla Reserve Forest spans 468.25 hectares of forest department land. This area, known locally as Kaulutlayya Malam, stretches between the villages of Kappatralla, P. Kotakonda, Madapuram, Chelelchelima, and Gundlakonda. The Kaulutlayya Swamy temple is located on this hill. Reports indicate that permissions have been granted to conduct surveys in this area.
Warning to Block the Project: The process began secretly under the YSRCP government between 2022-23. Now, with this information surfacing, locals are voicing their concerns, stating that the villages will be destroyed due to uranium mining. Local residents have warned that they will prevent uranium mining, even if it costs them their lives.
