YSRCP urges Centre to suspend mining around Panchadharla
New Delhi, August 11
A YSRCP delegation met Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday and sought the Centre's immediate intervention to stop alleged illegal and unauthorised gravel quarrying around Panchadharla in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
The delegation brought to the Union Minister's notice the large-scale quarrying activities being carried out in the vicinity of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Dhanadibbalu Buddhist archaeological site and the ancient Sri Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple. It urged the Centre to intervene immediately to protect the historically significant heritage landscape.
The delegation said indiscriminate quarrying and excavation were threatening the archaeological landscape and undermining the sanctity and heritage character of the area.
The Dhanadibbalu Buddhist site dates back to the Satavahana period of the 1st Century CE, while the Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple traces its origins to the 10th Century CE. Both sites are of immense historical and archaeological significance.
The delegation pointed out that quarrying operations have advanced alarmingly close to the protected archaeological site and urged the Centre to immediately suspend mining activities in its vicinity.
It cautioned that deep excavation and blasting could damage archaeological remains at the Buddhist site and affect the centuries-old temple. Such activities could also disturb the geological stability of Panchadharla Hill and adversely impact groundwater and natural drainage systems.
Besides seeking immediate suspension of quarrying activities, the delegation urged the Centre to constitute a team of experts to inspect the site, verify the legality of the mining operations and ascertain whether quarrying has exceeded the sanctioned boundaries, permitted depth or authorised quantity of extraction. It also sought appropriate action against those responsible if violations are established.
The YSRCP delegation comprised MPs Golla Baburao, Meda Raghunadha Reddy, Gumma Thanuja Rani and Maddila Gurumoorthy, former minister Gudivada Amarnath, and YSRCP leader Karanam Dharmasri.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's reassuring to see politicians from different parties coming together for heritage conservation. The Dhanadibbalu site is a treasure not just for Andhra Pradesh but for the entire country. Blasting and excavation could cause irreversible damage. The expert committee they've asked for seems like a sensible step.
Finally, someone is paying attention! I've seen how mining has destroyed so many hillocks in our region. The Panchadharla hill has been there for centuries and the temple is a living heritage. If they keep digging like this, the whole hill might collapse. The state government should also act, not just the Centre.
This is a classic case of development vs heritage. But we don't need to choose — there are plenty of other quarrying sites. Why risk damaging a 1st-century Buddhist site and a 10th-century temple for some gravel? I hope the Ministry of Coal and Mines does the right thing and suspends operations immediately. The groundwater impact is especially concerning for the local villagers.
Interesting to see the YSRCP taking up this cause now. I hope it's not just political posturing before elections. The ASI should have been more vigilant in the first place. Either way, the demand for an expert committee is fair, and I hope the investigation is transparent and thorough. We owe it to our ancestors to protect these sites.
As someone from Visakhapatnam, this hits close to home. Panchadharla is a popular spot for devotees and history enthusiasts. The blasting has been going on for months and we've been worried. Glad our MPs are taking it to the Union Minister. Hope they
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