Pawan Kalyan Orders Probe Into Environmental Violations in Panchadarla Hill Mining

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment Pawan Kalyan has directed officials of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to conduct a detailed inquiry into alleged environmental violations in gravel mining activities on revenue lands at Panchadarla Hill in Anakapalli district. After reviewing a preliminary report submitted by the District Collector and Pollution Control Board officials, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed authorities to take strict action, including imposing penalties on the mining company if violations of environmental regulations are established.

Pawan Kalyan also directed officials to safeguard the Sri Uma Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple located at the foothills and protect the area's natural water springs. He instructed that scientists from the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) be invited to study changes in the colour and flow of the natural springs and submit a scientific report. He further called for environmental restoration measures, cancellation of the company's environmental and operational clearances if warranted, and asked the Revenue and Mining Departments to examine the proposal to declare the Panchadarla Hill surroundings a No Mining Zone. He also stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the Archaeology and Endowments Departments to preserve the historic temple.