Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment Pawan Kalyan has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into alleged environmental violations in gravel mining at Panchadarla Hill in Anakapalli district.
After reviewing a preliminary report submitted by the District Collector and the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the deputy chief minister directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report.
He said strict action should be taken against the mining company if violations are confirmed, including the imposition of environmental penalties and restoration of the damaged area.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan also directed that scientists from the National Institute of Hydrology be invited to study the natural water springs at Panchadarla following reports of changes in water quality. He stressed the need to protect the natural springs and preserve their flow through scientific assessment.
Expressing concern over the impact of mining on the historic Sri Uma Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple, he instructed the Archaeology and Endowments Departments to take up conservation measures.
He also asked the Revenue and Mines Departments to declare the Panchadarla Hill area a no-mining zone and ordered the immediate cancellation of the mining company’s environmental, establishment and operational clearances.
