Oppn. vows to resist exploration plans in Kurnool district

Leaders of opposition parties who visited the mining area in the Pulivendula constituency (represented by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in the Assembly ) in Kadapa district on Sunday, called the plant a ‘major pollutant.’

After visiting the Uranium Corporation of India’s plant at M. Thummapalle village in Vemula mandal, the all-party team led by former Ministers Kalava Srinivasulu and Bhuma Akhila Priya of the TDP and CPI State secretary K. Ramakrishna went around the tail pond that has allegedly polluted the water table in the plant’s vicinity.

They alleged that the plant wreaked havoc on the fields and consumption of the groundwater in Kanampalli, Kanamkindha Kottala, Rachakuntapalli, Bhumaiahgaripalli and Mabbuchintalapalli villages caused skin ailments.

“People here are facing untold hardships,” Mr. Srinivasulu said.

‘Increase compensation’

Ms. Akhila Priya observed that nearly 150 acres around the plant had traces of chemicals and as such farmers growing plantain and sweet lime were quitting agriculture. She demanded that the compensation be increased from ₹70,000 per acre to ₹1.50 lakh.

Later at a public meeting at Obulapuram village in Allagadda mandal of Kurnool district, the opposition leaders vowed to stall any further plans to drill for the radioactive material as part of exploration efforts.

Leaders of the CPI (M), the CPI(ML) New Democracy, the Jana Sena Party and the Aam Aadmi Party also attended the meeting.

“While the drilling for uranium samples has temporarily been stopped, we are told that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research is trying to restart it,” alleged Mr. Ramakrishna.

The leaders came down on the Chief Minister and demanded that he make his stand clear.

“We are planning to meet Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy soon to give a representation to him. If needed, we will also approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention,” Mr. Ramakrishna said.