Pawan Kalyan Orders Probe into Panchadarla Mining
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment, Pawan Kalyan, has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged environmental violations during gravel excavation at Panchadarla Hill, situated in Rambilli mandal of Anakapalli district.
The decision was taken following a review of preliminary findings submitted by the Anakapalli District Collector and senior officials from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board. The initial evaluation revealed evidence indicating that the mining company, despite holding legitimate operational permits, breached mandatory environmental guidelines during earth and gravel extraction activities.
Taking serious note of these lapses, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed authorities to launch swift administrative and legal action against the entity involved. He directed officials to impose severe financial penalties and hold the company strictly accountable for carrying out full environmental restoration across the affected terrain.
Expressing deep concern over the ecological balance of the region, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the historic Sri Uma Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple located at the base of the hill. He directed the State Endowments Department and Archaeology Department to formulate a joint action plan for the immediate conservation of the ancient shrine.
The Deputy Chief Minister also focused on the conservation of local natural springs, which have shown unusual water discoloration recently. To address this issue, he instructed officials to involve environmental experts and scientists from the National Institute of Hydrology to analyze water sources and submit a scientific report to restore natural water flow.
In addition to penalties, Pawan Kalyan advised the Revenue and Mining Departments to take immediate steps to declare the entire Panchadarla Hill region a designated No-Mining Zone. He further ordered the immediate cancellation of all environmental clearances, Consent for Establishment, and Consent for Operation granted to the mining agency.
Emphasizing the government’s firm commitment to environmental protection, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that no developmental or commercial activity will be permitted at the cost of nature, cultural heritage, or public trust. Detailed reports on the probe are expected to be submitted to the government soon for further executive action.
