Urgent Outcry: Villagers of Kappatralla, Devanakonda Protest Against Centre’s Dangerous Uranium Tests
Residents of Kappatralla and nearby villages in Devanakonda mandal are vocally opposing the Central Government’s decision to permit uranium reserve testing in the reserve forest area near Kappatralla. The villagers are concerned about losing their lands, livelihoods, and the potential negative impacts of uranium mining. Protests, which have been ongoing, intensified on Saturday (November 2, 2024) as villagers blocked the Adoni-Kurnool road, demanding an immediate halt to any uranium exploration efforts.
The Atomic Minerals Directorate initiated assessments in 2017, collecting samples, and recently received approval from the Union Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change to drill 68 borewells over 468.25 hectares in the Kappatralla reserve forest. Despite assurances from officials that the bore drilling is purely for reserve assessment, locals remain wary.
Kappatralla village sarpanch, Chennama Naidu, expressed firm opposition to uranium exploration, citing its threat to their livelihoods. Efforts to inform residents about the testing and alleviate concerns have been initiated by forest and revenue officials. Additionally, the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) plans to meet with villagers on Monday (November 4, 2024) to reassure them regarding the nature of the tests.
Published on November 03, 2024, at 11:49 am IST.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/tests-to-assess-uranium-availability-villagers-of-kappatralla-devanakonda-raise-voice-against-centres-permission/article68824921.ece
Category : Andhra Pradesh
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