To save Krishnamaai, Telangana CM denies permission for uranium mining in Nallamala forest
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Hyderabad, September 16: Telangana has created one of the rarest example of standing by the people against the ‘industrial encroachment’. Yesterday, Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that his government would not accord permission for the proposed uranium mining in the Nallamalla forest in order to save rich ecological heritage and Krishna river basin.
The decision came amidst protests in the state over the decision of the Department of Atomic Energy to survey the possibility of uranium mining in the Nallamala forest. Earlier in May, the Forest Advisory Committee under Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had given an 'in-principal' approval for the project. However, over the last few weeks, over 60 organisations, including local political parties, environment activists and wildlife enthusiasts have formed the ‘Struggle Committee against Uranium Mining’.
"As far as uranium mining is concerned, following the formation of the Telangana state, no permission was given to anyone, and there is no such plan to give it in the future as well. No one needs to fear about it as at any cost, we will not allow the destruction of Nallamala," KCR said.
The AMD under Department of Atomic Energy carried out survey and investigation for exploration of uranium during 1992-2012 period in some parts of Nalgonda and estimated that 18,550 tonnes of uranium deposits are available there.
Nallamala Forest is part of Amrabad Tiger Reserve, which, is the second-largest tiger reserve in India. According to the Tiger Census conducted last year there were a total of 17 big cats in the reserve.
The Nallamalas (also called the Nallamalla Range) are a section of the Eastern Ghats which stretch primarily over Kurnool, Nellore, Guntur, Prakasam, Kadapa and Chittoor districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh and Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda districts of the state of Telangana.
The sanctuary boasts of a rich array of wildlife including leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, different kinds of deer among other animals. The hilly tiger reserve, part of the Nallamala hills, also serves as a catchment area for River Krishna which flows through the hill range.
Richness is synonymous with this tiger reserve as it harbours great biodiversity, comprising of around 70 species of mammals, more than 300 avian varieties, 60 species of reptiles and thousands of insects, all supported and nourished by more than 600 different plant species.
The proposed uranium mining is likely to contaminate key water projects like Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala across Krishna river and destroy its delta area. This could also impact water supply to Hyderabad.