‘Save Kappatralla’: After farmers protest, CM Naidu halts uranium exploration

Kurnool: After the farmers' protest, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to stop uranium exploration and mining operations in Kappatralla Reserve Forest (KRF) in Kurnool district.

In a statement, Kurnool District Collector P Ranjit Basha said the area's residents need not worry about uranium exploration operations anymore. "The Chief Minister has directed officials to stop uranium exploration and borewell digging in Kappatralla Reserve Forest," Basha said.

According to the orders, Naidu has promised to stop all uranium operations and appealed to the locals to refrain from agitations.

It may be noted that the Atomic Mineral Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has proposed to drill 68 borewells in the Kappatralla reserve forest to explore uranium deposits. The central government has permitted the project.

However, villagers from the Devanakonda Mandal vociferously protested against official plans to explore and mine uranium. People from 10 villages, supported by left parties, civil organizations, and students, held a rally with the slogan ‘Save Kappatralla’ demanding a halt to drilling in the forest area.

Local farmers fear that their agricultural land might lose fertility and are also concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, as uranium mining can contaminate the soil and water.