Tribals cry foul over open cast mining in Sattupalli

Khammam: The District unit president of the Lambada Hakkula Porata Samiti (LHPS) Guguloth Rajesh Naik alleged that the people of NTR Colony were suffering severely due to blasting being carried out in the Open Cast-1 of J V R Sattupalli in the Singareni region of Kothagudem. The representatives of the LHPS submitted a memorandum to the District Collector on the occasion of Grievance Day conducted here at the Collectorate in Khammam on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, G Rajesh Naik said due to blasting being carried out in the Open Cast-1, the people living in NTR Colony, along with surrounding areas, were subjected to severe hardships and several health-related issues.

Cracks occurred in the walls of the nearly 250 houses present in the colony and the entire area was covered with dust and smoke due to blasts in the open cast, he alleged. The fields present in the surrounding areas also damaged to a great extent and the farmers were unable to reap higher yields due to pollution of environment and depletion of underground water levels, he pointed out.

Many farmers stopped cultivating in the lands and were migrating to other areas in search of livelihood. Many animals too had been suffering a lot due to unavailability of fodder for them, he added. He urged the officials to opt for underground mining instead of going for open mining to prevent further damage and pollution of surrounding areas.

LHPS representatives B Nandu Naik, Bhadru Naik, B Mohan Naik, Bhukya Veeranna Naik, L Nagesh Naik, S K Ismail, K K Vali and Dharavath Naik were present along with others.