YSR Congress Party Urges Central Government to Halt Mining Near Heritage Sites

New Delhi, August 12: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has called on the central government to stop alleged illegal and unauthorized mining activities around Panchdharla in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. The party aims to protect historical sites in the region.

A delegation of YSRCP leaders met with Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding immediate intervention to halt mining operations. They highlighted the extensive stone extraction activities occurring near the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected site of ‘Dhanadibbalulu,’ a Buddhist archaeological site, and the ancient ‘Sri Dharmalingeshwara Swamy Temple.’

The delegation expressed concern that rampant mining poses a significant threat to these archaeological sites, jeopardizing the area’s sanctity and historical identity. The ‘Dhanadibbalulu’ site dates back to the first century CE during the Satavahana period, while the ‘Sri Dharmalingeshwara Swamy Temple’ is from the 10th century CE. Both sites hold immense historical and archaeological value.

They reported that stone extraction activities have dangerously encroached upon the protected archaeological site, urging the central government to immediately cease mining operations in the vicinity. The delegation warned that deep excavation and blasting could damage the archaeological remains at the Buddhist site and affect the centuries-old temple. Such activities could also disrupt the geological stability of the Panchdharla hills and adversely impact groundwater and natural drainage systems.

In addition to demanding an immediate halt to stone extraction, the delegation urged the central government to form a team of experts to inspect the site, verify the legality of mining operations, and determine if the stone extraction exceeds approved limits, depths, or quantities. They also called for appropriate action against those responsible if violations are confirmed.

The YSRCP delegation included MPs Gola Baburao, Meda Raghunadha Reddy, Gumma Tanuja Rani, and Maddila Gurumurthy, along with former minister Gudivada Amarnath and YSRCP leader Karanam Dharmasri.

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