Taking strong exception to the proposed mining of colour granite at Bodikondalu, tribals of Budharavada panchayat in Parvathipuram mandal have warned of intensifying stir, if the authorities go ahead with the plan.
The government has sanctioned the lease for mining colour granite in 30 hectares to the Hyderabad-based M/s Pokarna Granites Limited. During a public hearing meeting held as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project chaired by Joint Collector Rama Rao and Parvathipuram RDO Govinda Rao recently, tribal associations and the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Coolie Sangham vehemently opposed the project, citing that mining activity in the area would have a deleterious impact on farming and livelihood of the tribals living in 12 hamlets in the vicinity of Bodikondalu.
Sangham district secretary D. Verma said the tribals here collect rain water and raise millets and cashew plantations on the podu land surrounding Bodikondalu. “The proposed mining, if allowed, would throw the tribals of their habitation,” he said.
Joint Collector Rama Rao told The Hindu on Tuesday that he had sent the EIA report, along with the public opinions to the Centre.
