Andhrapradesh – Anakapalli The Andhra Pradesh Adivasi Girijana Sangham and the 5th Schedule Protection Committee have demanded that the catchment area of the Kalyanapulova Reservoir in Ravikamatam Mandal of Anakapalli district be declared a No-Mining Zone. As part of their protest, members organized a four-kilometre padayatra (foot march) from Sompuram Bund to the Kalyanapulova Reservoir via Jeedigunnava, followed by a demonstration and dharna.
Speaking on the occasion, the leaders said the Kalyanapulova Reservoir irrigates around 4,484 acres and serves as the primary source of livelihood for nearly 15,000 farmers. They expressed concern that allowing granite mining in the reservoir’s catchment area would seriously threaten agriculture, water resources, forests, and the environment.
The protesters alleged that granite quarry permissions had been granted in the past but were halted following strong opposition from tribal organizations. However, they claimed that fresh attempts are now being made to restart quarrying operations after the change in government.
They further alleged that forest lands within the catchment area are being purchased by real estate interests with the intention of facilitating mining activities. Such developments, they warned, would adversely affect the reservoir, reduce water availability, and endanger the livelihoods of tribal communities and farmers.
The protesters urged the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately declare the entire catchment area of the Kalyanapulova Reservoir as a No-Mining Zone and permanently prohibit granite quarrying in the region.
District Honorary President K. Govinda Rao, tribal leader Gammila Vasu, and several representatives of tribal organizations, farmers, and local residents participated in the protest.
